Social Science Research Assistant

Stanfordlivetickets; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) is seeking a research assistant to conduct social science research on international security topics, including nuclear deterrence, public opinion, and nonproliferation. The role involves drafting reports, supporting teaching activities, and assisting with administrative tasks.

The successful candidate will work directly with Dr.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical capabilities and outstanding academic credentials.
• Experience drafting reports and supporting teaching activities.
• Ability to manage administrative tasks and organize logistics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct social science research on international security issues (nuclear policy, public opinion, nonproliferation).
• Draft reports and assist with teaching and lecture activities.
• Organize course simulations and manage travel, reimbursements, and calendar logistics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Academic credentials

Communication

Tools

PowerPoint

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.