Space Policy Researcher — 11-Month Open Diplomacy Guide

Meridian International; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian International in Washington, DC, seeks a Researcher, Space for an 11-month, full-time temporary role. The job focuses on researching, writing, and delivering the U.S. Space Partnership Guide, with collaboration from the VP of Open Diplomacy Programs. The position may work partially remotely and requires MD/DC/VA residence.

The role involves developing the guide’s framework, conducting interviews, and coordinating with communications and design teams for multiple publication formats.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 6–10 years of relevant professional experience in space policy or related field preferred.
• Strong writing, interviewing, and research skills.
• Established professional network in the U.S. and/or international space community.

Responsibilities

• Define the guide’s purpose, audiences, scope, structure, and milestones through publication.
• Develop a framework for organizing partnership pathways across the U.S. space ecosystem.
• Identify case studies and criteria for selecting them.
• Build the guide’s structure and source base for annual updates.
• Research laws, regulations, and partnerships shaping international space cooperation (ITAR/EAR).
• Plan and conduct interviews with government officials, industry, universities, and space agencies.
• Attend conferences to gather insights and expand the contributor network.
• Maintain an organized research library, annotated bibliography, and source logs.
• Coordinate with Meridian communications and design teams on digital, PDF, and print versions.
• Draft other space content for TIS, such as articles and briefing materials.
• Provide program support for Space Diplomacy Initiative activities: convenings, study tours, delegations.
• Assist with administrative tasks and deadlines.

Skills

Research

Writing

Interviewing

Project management

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

EndNote

Salesforce

Canva

Job description

Meridian International in Washington, DC, seeks a Researcher, Space for an 11-month, full-time temporary role. The job focuses on researching, writing, and delivering the U.S. Space Partnership Guide, with collaboration from the VP of Open Diplomacy Programs. The position may work partially remotely and requires MD/DC/VA residence.

The role involves developing the guide’s framework, conducting interviews, and coordinating with communications and design teams for multiple publication formats.