Research Associate (Outer Space)

Nonproliferation; Wien; Hybrid; EUR 46.000 - 53.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

International travel

Relocation assistance

Zusammenfassung

The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) invites applications for a Research Associate to support outer space affairs and space security. The role involves producing research papers, organizing workshops, and contributing to multilateral discussions in Vienna and beyond.

The position is for one year with the possibility of extension, with travel opportunities and a salary range of €46,000–€53,000 per year plus social benefits and relocation support where applicable.

Qualifikationen

• Graduate or postgraduate degree in International Relations, Space Law, or related field.
• Minimum one year of relevant experience in outer space affairs.
• Experience producing research outputs on space security, governance, or space law.
• Strong writing skills and fluency in English.
• Experience organizing public events and workshops.

Aufgaben

• Produce research papers, reports, and briefs on outer space affairs.
• Support design and delivery of workshops and public events at international venues.
• Maintain communication with project stakeholders and expand the audience on space.
• Capture events in succinct reports and format engaging layouts for publications.
• Contribute to other VCDNP research projects and activities.

Kenntnisse

Writing skills

Event organization

Professional communication

Time management

Research

Ausbildung

Graduate or postgraduate degree in IR / Space Law

Jobbeschreibung

The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) is inviting applications for the position of a Research Associate to support the Center’s work on outer space affairs and space security.

The VCDNP is an international non-governmental organisation that conducts research, facilitates dialogue, and provides capacity-building on disarmament and non-proliferation. The selected candidate will join a dynamic, international team and will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of space security governance, contributing to research, dialogue meetings, and events at multilateral forums.

Details

The Research Associate will support a project that will investigate, among other topics, international governance on destructive activities in space, addressing uncoordinated rendezvous and proximity operations, and implementing transparency and confidence-building measures in space activities.

The position is assigned for one year with the possibility of extension, based on performance. The start date will be agreed between the successful candidate and the VCDNP.

The position includes attractive opportunities for international travel.

The salary range for this position is between 46,000€ and 53,000€, depending on experience. VCDNP employees enjoy full access to social security benefits and the Austrian public healthcare system as well as income tax exemption in Austria.

Where applicable, the VCDNP will provide reimbursement of eligible expenses for relocating to Vienna, such as airfare and short-term temporary accommodation, of up to 2,000€ for candidates within Europe and up to 3,000€ for candidates outside of Europe.

Responsibilities

The position reports to the Senior Research Associate leading on outer space affairs and provides support to other projects at the VCDNP, including the Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons programme.

• Produce research papers, reports, and briefs on outer space affairs
• Provide creative input to shape the VCDNP’s growing space portfolio
• Assist in designing, organising, and running workshops and public events at international venues
• Support continuous communication with project stakeholders and expand the VCDNP’s audience on outer space
• Manage systematic tracking of project impact
• Capture events and workshops in succinct reports
• Format and design engaging layouts for publications on outer space affairs
• Create social media content that resonates with target audiences
• Contribute to other VCDNP research projects and activities and support Center-wide programmes
• Perform other duties as required

Skills and Experience

• Graduate or postgraduate degree in International Relations, Space Law, or another field of study applicable to the VCDNP’s work
• Minimum one year of relevant experience in outer space affairs
• Experience in producing research outputs on issues such as space security, space sustainability, space law, and governance of new space technologies
• Strong writing skills and excellent command of the English language
• Experience in organising public events and workshops
• Ability to communicate professionally with officials and high-profile stakeholders
• Strong time management skills and ability to deliver to deadlines

Preferred

• Demonstrated interest in or experience with nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues
• Experience in multilateral diplomacy or international organisations
• Experience in a think tank or research institute environment
• Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator) and producing content for corporate social media accounts

Requirements

The ability to obtain a visa for Austria is required. VCDNP employees are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit.

The position requires light to moderate physical effort and the ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

The deadline to apply is27 September 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Select candidates will be invited to complete a written assignment and two virtual interviews.

VCDNP Research Fellow Louis Reitmann presented a new data-driven resource that supports States in developing rules and norms for space security during a launch event at the UN in Geneva.

The VCDNP co-hosted a side event on the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC), exploring the opportunities and concerns in the evolving space environment.