Social Science Research Assistant

Stanford University; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support research on international security and Chinese military strategy. The role involves conducting research, drafting reports, managing projects, and supporting teaching initiatives. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in social science and possesses strong analytical skills. This a one-year fixed-term position with potential for extension based on project needs.

Benefits

Career development programs

Generous time-off

Health care benefits

Fitness classes

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting policy-relevant academic research.
• Demonstrated interest in international security and related policy issues.
• Ability to manage multiple research tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and edit documents.
• Assist with proposals, reports and budget tracking.
• Prepare presentations for teaching and speaking engagements.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Effective oral and written communication

General computer skills

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree in applicable social science

Job description

School/Unit Description

Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) is one of the nation’s leading interdisciplinary, university-based research and training centers addressing critical international security issues. The Center draws on scholars from a range of disciplines, integrating political, regional, and scientific expertise in international affairs, and applying this expertise to policy-relevant solutions.

Position Summary

Professor Oriana Mastro is seeking a full-time research assistant with first-rate analytical capabilities and outstanding academic credentials to conduct social science research, draft reports, support teaching and lecture activities, and assist with a range of administrative and communication needs. The Research Assistant will support an ongoing book project on China-Russia military relationship as well as a number of major ongoing research initiatives on deterrence and escalation over Taiwan, Chinese overseas interests, and Beijing’s relationship with the developing world. The Research Assistant will also be supporting a teaching portfolio on international security and Chinese military strategy and security policy.

The Research Assistant Will Work Directly With Dr. Mastro To Conduct Research, Draft Reports, And Work On a Variety Of Projects Including

• Conducting literature reviews, revising and editing documents, fact-finding and checking
• Assist with proposals and reports, competitive grant submissions, including drafting and keeping track of budget projections and expenditures
• Supporting teaching and external speaking engagements by preparing presentations, updating lecture materials, and producing related correspondence
• Serve as a lead Research Assistant for student RAs, including organizing and delegating tasks; reviewing work products, and providing feedback
• Manage a very busy calendar; arrange domestic and international travel, and complete reimbursements and payments
• Assisting with updates to Dr. Mastro’s and related program webpages, including posting publications and event announcements in coordination with Stanford communications offices.

This is a one year fixed-term position. The position will begin July/August 2026 and may be extended based on programmatic need and funding availability.

Core Duties

• Plan and perform research tasks requiring initiative and judgment by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory when precedents do not provide specific guidance. General instruction provided by the supervisor as needed. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data.
• Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents, and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure renewals are approved and completed, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.
• May orient and train new staff or students.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Experience in conducting policy-relevant academic research (such as an honors thesis or RA to a professor or researcher at a think tank).
• Demonstrated interest in international security, Chinese military strategy, and related Indo‑Pacific related security and policy issues.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance and manage multiple research tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, and editing for accuracy.
• Ability to update academic and program webpages in coordination with communications staff.
• Ability to assist with travel coordination, reimbursement processes, and expense tracking while following university policies and procedures.
• Experience providing feedback on research tasks to student assistants with tact, clarity, and attention to accuracy.

Working Conditions

• May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

Work Standards

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Onsite/Hybrid

Onsite/Hybrid

The expected pay range for this position is $34 to $40.41 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford Is For You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first‑ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.