Center for Nonproliferation – Research Assistant (2024 C02067)

Position description

Under the direction of the Executive Director of CNS in Washington, the research assistant will conduct research and write timely analyses on nonproliferation related projects as well as other duties as assigned. 

Candidate identified.

CNS provides a range of research opportunities with various funding sources.  Individuals hired to work under Federal Contracts containing the FAR 52.222-54 clause will be subject to E-Verify.

Essential Functions 

• Conduct research on the nonproliferation of nuclear, biological, and/or chemical weapons and related delivery system issues. 

• The incumbent will bring to the attention of CNS staff emerging issues in the field of nonproliferation that CNS staff may have overlooked. 

• As the demands of other responsibilities allow, the incumbent should publish articles on nonproliferation issues under their name. 

General Responsibilities 

• The Research Assistant will be responsible for contributing to ongoing projects, particularly those examining global trade in proliferation-sensitive commodities and East Asian nuclear issues. They will work closely with senior research staff from two programs to conduct original open-source research: CNS’ Export Controls and Nonproliferation Program examines national and international export control efforts, industry compliance, and public-private cooperation in the field; the Center’s East Asia Nonproliferation Program explores WMD developments in the East Asian region, including the Chinese and North Korean nuclear and missile programs, and their drivers and responses.  

The Research Assistant also may be responsible for the following tasks:  

• build network models of proliferation trends and activities; 

• assist with research related to international nonproliferation sanctions implementation;  

• help organize multilateral training sessions;  

• and, arrange bilateral in-country meetings with foreign officials 

• To support this and other projects, the Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting independent research and analysis, ranging from literature reviews to primary open source information collection and assessment. 

• Provide administrative and logistical support to CNS projects and activities on occasion, including conferences, meetings, and other outreach events, as required. Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education 

• B.A. degree in political science, international relations, or equivalent experience in the field. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Good analytical, research, writing, presentation, and organizational skills. 

• Proficiency in a foreign language strongly preferred. 

• Demonstrated knowledge or interest in nonproliferation issues. 

• Demonstrated ability to conduct research or analysis both independently, and as part of a team. 

• Superior written and oral English language communication skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to interpret budgets and produce clear expenditure reports is a plus. 

• Interest in working on projects that include new analytical methodologies and tools, including analysis of open source data and imagery. Use of imagery analysis tools and GIS tools, such as GoogleEarth, ArcGIS, ERDAS, and ENVI, is a plus. Use of data analysis tools such as Excel, R, and Tableau is also a plus. 

• Capable of multi-tasking and working in a challenging, intense, and dynamic deadline-oriented environment. 

• An interest in developing presentation skills. 

• Willingness and ability to adapt to changing technologies and systems. 

• Willingness and ability to comply with Institute policies, procedures and mandates. 

Experience 

• Previous experience in nonproliferation-related projects preferred. 

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, the ability to travel domestically by plane, a driver’s license suitable for domestic US driving, and the ability to work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time. 

Application instructions

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