RESEARCH FELLOW (AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS)

US National Defense University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Defense University in Washington, DC seeks a highly qualified researcher to advance studies in unmanned and autonomous systems, national security policy, and defense strategy. The appointment emphasizes rigorous scholarship, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and policy impact.

The position requires a doctorate (or ABD) with demonstrated research dissemination to senior DoD leaders, industry audiences, and federal agencies, ideally affecting strategic defense policy.

Qualifications

• Education: Doctorate or ABD from regionally accredited university in fields such as public policy, international relations, political science, engineering, military history, data science, national security studies, computer science, or operations research; or ABD in interdisciplinary field.
• Research & Publications: Peer-reviewed articles, books, or policy reports on unmanned and autonomous systems and defense implications; knowledge of research methodologies.

Skills

Policy analysis

Research dissemination

Briefing senior leaders

Education

Doctorate or ABD in relevant fields

Master's with 5+ years experience

Job description

National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world.

This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 2 years with the possibility for extension.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Doctorate or all-but-dissertation status (ABD) from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalents) in an appropriate discipline including, but not limited to, public policy, international relations/affairs, political science, engineering, military history, data science, national security studies, computer science, or operations research. Or doctorate, all-but-dissertation status (ABD) from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalents) in an interdisciplinary field that integrates these and other relevant areas of study. Or Master's degree in fields listed above with at least five years professional experience in an industry, policy, government or defense-affiliated research position focused on unmanned and autonomous systems.

Research & Publications: Record of high-quality, peer-reviewed, journal articles, books, and/or policy reports related to unmanned and autonomous systems, to include work drawing implications for the U.S. defense industrial base, force design, defense planning and/or joint warfighting. And demonstrated knowledge of research methodologies, including the ability to identify, acquire, and analyze primary and secondary sources of information pertaining to defense strategy and policy.

Engagement: Experience presenting research findings and their implications for U.S. national security to DoW senior leaders, other federal government audiences, and industry executives. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate that their research has had an impact on U.S. defense strategy and policy.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience conducting research on autonomous systems directly for, or in support of, DoW, particularly as part of policy think tanks, DoW or industry-affiliated research labs, or federally funded research and development centers.
• Experience working in, with and/or coordinating with, industry in key areas of DoW programs in unmanned and autonomous systems and/or related technological areas.
• Experience in teaching graduate-level courses in relevant areas involving international affairs, national security policy, or joint warfighting.
• Experience conducting research or policy analysis on the implications of unmanned and autonomous systems for force design, defense planning, and/or joint warfighting
• Experience executing complex, multidiscipline, research studies and/or leading multidiscipline research teams.
• Experience conducting research or policy analysis on Defense Industrial Base dynamics related to unmanned and autonomous systems, including scaling production capacity, securing supply chains, and/or rapid acquisition.
• Current Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information Security Clearance.

Volunteer Experience:

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.