Research Associate

The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) is seeking to appoint up to three high-caliber, Research Associates. It is envisioned that at least two of the three research associates will work from the CNS Washington, DC office. These positions will focus in particular on the Center's projects on global trade in proliferation-sensitive commodities, sanctions and country-specific proliferation issues. The positions may alternatively or additionally focus on nonproliferation analysis concerning North Korea, Russia or China. The positions are fixed-term position for at least 12 months but may be renewed based on available funding. These are regular, full-time staff position.

Requirements

Essential Functions

The Research Associate will be responsible for contributing to ongoing projects, particularly those examining global trade in proliferation-sensitive commodities, sanctions and country-specific proliferation issues. They will work closely with senior research staff to conduct original open-source research and analysis.

To support these programs, the Research Associates will be responsible for conducting independent research and analysis, to include open source information collection, assessment, and data analysis.

In order to complement CNS' existing range of foreign language expertise, the Center is particularly interested in candidates who meet the other criteria and have competence in a relevant language (Russia, Chinese or Korean). Consequently, the job holder will also be responsible for conducting some research using primary language sources.

Each Research Associate may also be responsible for the following tasks:

• Researching and writing reports about relevant proliferation-related activities
• Building network models of proliferation trends and activities;
• Assisting with research related to the maritime sanctions implementation as well as issues surrounding flags of convenience;
• Collection, cleaning, analysis and assessment of open source information and data including from Chinese language sources;
• Liaising with funders, customers, stakeholders and other parties to promote research findings and ensure policy impact; and,
• Aiding in the dissemination of research findings including by drafting research papers, reviewing research papers, engaging in social media dissemination and otherwise presenting the findings of research to the stakeholder community.
• Acting as a trainer in practitioner-focused training on topics of relevance to the role

Each Research Associate will also be responsible for assisting in preparing grant proposals, quarterly reports, and large-scale final reports. Additionally, they will assist in preparing briefing materials to update project sponsors and other interested parties and on a case-by-case basis will be required to interact with project sponsors.

General Responsibilities

The job holder may be asked to assist with other activities in the CNS-DC office, including supporting seminars or events as required.

Education

The job holder will have a Master's degree in political sciences, international relations, history, or a related discipline, or relevant previous professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The job holder should be proficient in data collection and analysis. Python coding or data science skills and experience are particularly desirable.

Candidates ideally should be a proficient in at least one relevant language (Russian, Chinese or Korean).

Candidates should also have a demonstrated interest in international security and non-proliferation issues, either through coursework or professional work experience. They must be an original thinker, motivated to conduct innovative research, particularly using primary open sources. They should be a skilled oral and written communicator, able to organize and synthesize complex and sometimes technical content.

Experience

Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team to deliver research outputs on deadlines. The ideal applicant will also have a proven ability to manage datasets.

Physical Demands

The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey maintains a smoke-free workplace and complies with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act. Position requires light to moderate physical effort and the ability to work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.This role may involve international travel in the post-COVID 19 period.

Benefits

As an employee of Middlebury College, you will enjoy being part of a vibrant supportive community.Middlebury offers its employees excellent compensation and competitive health, dental, life, disability, generous retirement matching, and vision benefits, Middlebury offers a generous time-away program - up to 34 days per year during the first two years of service, increasing as the term of service lengthens. Middlebury employees are eligible for robust educational assistance programs. The result is a very high quality-of-life in a gorgeous setting. Come join us and be a part of our team!

Benefits include:

Excellent Health Benefits choose between an Low Deductible PPO or a HDHP with employer HSA contributions up to $2,000 dollars a year

Dental

Vision

Flexibile Spending Accounts (Dependent Care and Healthcare)

Core Life and AD&D

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

Combined Time Off (CTO): 26 days of paid time off a year for vacation or sick days in the first two years; 31 days of CTO after two years.

Holidays: Floating Holidays throughout the year as well as Paid Holiday from Christmas through New Years Day

Professional Development Funds,Continuing Education Benefits for Employees and Tuition Benefits for their dependents.

And more...