Social Science Research Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits-eligible

Job summary

Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) is seeking a research assistant to support Professor Scott Sagan in social science research on international security issues, including nuclear weapons policy and arms control. The role involves drafting reports, assisting teaching, and handling administrative tasks.

The RA will research and write on deterrence policy, support budget and travel logistics, and help organize a large course simulation, under a

Qualifications

• Familiarity with theories, concepts, and topics of nuclear deterrence, policy, and arms control.
• Background in political science and international security methodologies including literature reviews, experiments, and coding.

Responsibilities

• Assist in social science research on nuclear deterrence policy and the laws of armed conflict.
• Draft reports and support teaching and public appearances with presentations and correspondence.
• Organize a large course simulation and manage logistics as the course administrator.
• Help manage a busy calendar, travel arrangements, and reimbursements.

Skills

Social science research

Nuclear deterrence

Policy analysis

Literature reviews

Data analysis

Education

Political science background

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.