Researcher, Space

Description

Title:

Researcher, Space Salary: $75,000-$85,000

Employment Status:
Full-Time, TemporaryFLSA Classification:
Non-Exempt Direct Report Title(s):
Non-Supervisory Supervisor

Title:

Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs Summary of Position

The Researcher, Space is a temporary, 11-month position within Meridian’s Center for Technology, Innovation, and Space (TIS). The position’s principal responsibility is to research, write, and deliver the first U.S. Space Partnership Guide. The guide will be a practical, open-access resource that helps governments, companies, universities, research institutions, startups, investors, and civil society outside the United States understand how to collaborate with the American space ecosystem.

Working alongside the Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs/Director of the Space Diplomacy Initiative, the Researcher will help shape the guide’s strategy and framework and carry the project from concept through publication. As capacity allows, the Researcher may also contribute other written space content for TIS and provide limited support to Space Diplomacy Initiative programming and business development.

This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees. The position may work partially remotely until further notice.

Requirements Position ResponsibilitiesU.S. Space Partnership Guide – Strategy & Framework (Primary Focus):

• Work with the Vice President/Director to define the guide’s purpose, audiences, scope, structure, and methodology, and develop a project plan with milestones through publication.
• Develop a framework for organizing partnership pathways across the full U.S. space ecosystem, including federal, state, and local governments; agencies; established companies; startups; universities; research laboratories; investors; and nonprofits.
• Identify the case studies, best practices, and dos and don’ts the guide will feature, and set criteria for selecting them.
• Build the guide’s structure and source base so it can be updated each year as regulations and opportunities change.

Research & Interviews:

• Research the laws, regulations, agencies, and partnership mechanisms that shape international space cooperation with the United States, including export controls (ITAR/EAR), licensing, and international agreements such as the Artemis Accords.
• Plan and conduct interviews with U.S. government officials, commercial space companies, universities, research institutions, foreign embassies and space agencies, and other experts; prepare interview guides, notes, and summaries.
• Attend relevant space conferences, forums, and events to gather insights, track developments, and expand the guide’s network of contributors.
• Maintain an organized research library, annotated bibliography, and source and interview log so that every claim in the guide is accurately sourced and properly attributed.
• Monitor policy and regulatory developments throughout the year and assess their implications for the guide.

Writing, Editing & Production:

• Write the U.S. Space Partnership Guide in clear, accessible, and practical language for both international and U.S. audiences. It should read as a guide, not an academic report.
• Manage review cycles with the Vice President/Director, subject-matter experts, and external reviewers, incorporating feedback and fact-checking content and citations.
• Coordinate with Meridian’s communications team and designers on the digital, PDF, and print versions of the guide, and support its launch and dissemination.
• Draft other written space content for TIS, such as articles, briefing materials, event summaries, and web content.
• Space Diplomacy Initiative Program Support (As Needed):
• Convenings:
  Support convenings such as the…