Postdoctoral Scholar, Technology and International Security (IGCC)

UC San Diego Academic Jobs; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Research/travel budget

Job summary

UC San Diego invites applications for up to six postdoctoral scholar positions in Technology and International Security, based in Washington, DC for a 24-month term, with potential 12-month slots. Applicants should have or expect a Ph.D. by Sept 1, 2027, and will engage in seminars, publications, and travel related to tech and national security.

Competitive salary with benefits and a modest research/travel budget are provided. Open date Aug 24, 2026; final date Aug 24, 2027; review Nov 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) or ABD by start of appointment in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Be in residence at UC Washington, DC Center for the duration of the fellowship.
• Dedicate the majority of time to research and complete a significant publication.
• Plan and regularly participate in weekly seminars, research colloquia, and travel as needed.

Education

Ph.D. in social sciences, humanities, physical or natural sciences, engineering or computer sciences, or related fields

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar Employee

Salary range: $71,491 - $76,000

Application Window

Open date: August 24, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Nov 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Tuesday, Aug 24, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

The University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC), together with the UC Office of the President and UC-managed National Laboratories: the Center for Global Security Research at the Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the National Security and International Studies Office at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), are pleased to invite applications for up to six (6) postdoctoral scholar positions in Technology and International Security.

Technology has always played a central role in international security. Technology shapes the ways states fight during wartime and compete during peacetime. Today, significant advancements in nuclear technology, autonomous weapons, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, cyber technology, hypersonic vehicles, additive manufacturing, stealth, precision guidance, and other areas have contributed to a widespread sense that the world is again on the precipice of a new technological era. We seek applicants whose research generates new theoretical and empirical insights into the relationship between technology, national security, and the global security environment.

The fellowship program will be based in Washington, D.C. for a 24-month term in line with the 2027-28 and 2028-29 academic years, contingent on the availability of funding. Applicants who can participate for only 12-months in line with the 2027-28 academic year should also apply. Eligible applicants should expect to receive a Ph.D. degree by September 1, 2027.

All Scholars are expected to be in residence at the University of California Washington, D.C. Center for the duration of the fellowship. Scholars are expected to dedicate the majority of their time to research and complete a book, monograph, or other significant publication during their period of residence. Scholars are also expected to plan and regularly participate in all weekly seminars, research colloquia, and occasional travel.

Competitive salary with benefits and a modest research/travel budget.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

At the time of application candidates must either have a Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) or be ABD (all but dissertation) in social sciences, humanities, physical or natural sciences, engineering or computer sciences, and other technical and non-technical fields.

Additional Qualifications (required At Time Of Start)

Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. or received a Ph.D. degree by the start of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

We seek applicants whose research generates new theoretical and empirical insights into the relationship between technology, national security, and the global security environment.

Application Requirements

Document Requirements

• Cover Letter - 1-2 pages
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research - 3-5 pages
• Graduate School Transcripts - Unofficial accepted
• Writing Sample - Under 100 pages

Reference Requirements

• 2-3 letters of reference required

About UC San Diego

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.

The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at: https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf. This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at [phone] if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination]

Job location

Washington, DC