Social Science Research Assistant

Research Assistant Position

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.

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.

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 papers, 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.