Research Associate

Under the supervision of the CNS Research Fellow and Project Manager (OSINT Project Team), the Research Associate will assist in the operations and implementation of activities tasked to and performed at CNS, as described in the duties below. This is a full-time benefits-eligible staff position. 

This is a full time, benefits eligible, hourly position with starting salary of $29.40 per hour. This role is a 9-month grant-funded position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is January 6, 2025.

Essential Functions:

1. Complete deliverables for various government contracts and foundation/donor grants on a variety of nonproliferation topics, primarily involving the use of open-source tools and technologies. 
2. Hire, train, task, and supervise CNS graduate students who will contribute to these projects. 
3. Train both students and staff in open-source tools and techniques such as geospatial analysis. 
4. Conduct original research and write reports and scholarly articles on nonproliferation. 
5. Fulfill time-sensitive and often last-minute research requests as current events warrant, including from print and broadcast media. 

General Responsibilities  

Other duties as requested and required. 

Requirements

Education  

M.A. degree in political science or international relations, preferably with specialization in nonproliferation and/or international security, or equivalent experience required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

1. Knowledge of open-source tools and technologies in nonproliferation research such as geospatial analysis, satellite and ground imagery analysis, and 3D modeling.  
2. Strong research, writing, analysis, and copy-editing skills, especially in a nonproliferation context. 
3. Capable of multi-tasking and working in a dynamic environment. Organizational and project management skills essential. 
4. Capable of working well with others, especially as a supervisor or team leader. 

Experience  

• 1 – 2 years of experience working with imagery, mapping, and/or 3D modeling software such as: SketchUp, Blender, Maps Engine, Maps API, Google Earth, Fusion Tables, and Photoshop. Some experience with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) analysis preferred. 
• 1 – 2 years of nonproliferation research experience 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey maintains a smoke-free workplace and complies with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Position requires light to moderate physical effort and the ability to work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time. 

Other:

Offer is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

As an employee of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, you will enjoy being part of a vibrant supportive community. Middlebury Colleges offers its employees excellent compensation and competitive health, dental, life, disability, generous retirement matching, and vision benefits, Middlebury offers a generous time-away program - up to 34 days per year during the first two years of service, increasing as the term of service lengthens. Middlebury employees are also eligible for robust educational assistance programs. The result is a very high quality-of-life in a gorgeous setting.

Middlebury College is an equal-opportunity employer where diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. To this end, the College recruits talented and diverse faculty, staff, and students from across the United States and around the world. Middlebury College encourages applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of other protected classes and historically underrepresented communities. The College also invites applications from individuals who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.