Social Science Research Assistant

Stanford Reglab; California; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) seeks a diligent Research Assistant to conduct social science research, draft reports, support teaching, and handle a range of administrative tasks. You will study international security issues including nuclear policy, public opinion on force, nonproliferation, and laws of armed conflict.

Past assistants have progressed to top PhD programs and law schools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field.
• Familiarity with theories, concepts, and topics of international security, nuclear deterrence, and research methodologies.
• Ability to perform literature searches, summarize findings, and write literature reviews.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform research tasks requiring initiative and judgment in applying scientific theory.
• Develop and administer survey instruments and rating scales; summarize results.
• Review data accuracy and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, extract and summarize data; present findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches and write summaries/manuscripts.
• Build and organize data; use statistical tools for data analysis.
• Adapt methods to project needs; coordinate IRB renewals where necessary.
• Assist with dissemination of findings to internal and external audiences.

Skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts in social science

Job description

WORK SCHEDULE:

Hybrid work arrangement with at least 3 days per week on-site.

BUDGETED SALARY:

$35.10 - $37.98

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 Scott Sagan is seeking a tenacious 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 needs. The candidate will research and write about international security issues including nuclear weapons policy, public opinion on the use of force, nuclear nonproliferation, and the laws of armed conflict and ethics of war. Past research assistants in the position have gone on to PhD programs in Political Science at MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and UCSD; Law at Stanford Law School, Yale, and Georgetown; and master's in international relations at Oxford, St. Andrews, and Johns Hopkins SAIS.

The research assistant will work directly with Dr. Sagan to conduct research, support teaching, and work on a variety of projects including:

• Assist in research on the evolution on nuclear deterrence policy and practice and the laws of armed conflict.
• Assist with funding proposals and reports, including drafting and keeping track of budget projections and account expenditures
• Assist with teaching and public appearances by drafting and preparing PowerPoint presentations and other correspondence
• Organize a large course simulation and manage logistics as the course administrator
• Help manage a very busy calendar; arrange domestic and international travel, and complete reimbursements and payments

This is a one-year fixed term position. Benefits-eligible.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with and demonstrated knowledge of theories, concepts, and topics of nuclear deterrence, policy, and arms control; as well as the ethics and laws of war.
• A background on political science and international security theories and research methodologies, to include literature reviews, experiments, and coding and analyzing findings.

Applying the theories and methods of a social science discipline, perform work directly involved in developing and administering laboratory, survey and other social science research projects or to develop public programs and policies. Positions that plan and administer both academic and research programs and services should be assigned to the Academic Program Professional job series. These jobs Interprets principles and concepts generated by faculty, develop and implement instruction and research programs, and contribute to curriculum development and teaching. Positions that have primary roles in clinical study activities and support clinical research (non-intervention studies) or trials (intervention studies) on human subjects should be assigned to the Clinical Research Coordinator job series.

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 paper, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.
• May orient and train new staff or students.
  

Minimum Education and 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:

• General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with human study participants.