Research Assistant - Stanford : Job Details

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.

The Research Assistant will provide dedicated support to the Program on Geopolitics, Technology, and Governance (GTG) at the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC), part of Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI). This role combines both research support and program coordination for GTG's activities focused on the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and governance.

Key responsibilities include preparing research memoranda, contributing to GTG scholarship, and conducting original research under the direction of program faculty. The Research Assistant will also manage operational tasks such as coordinating meetings, assisting with HR processes for student RA hiring, supporting grant application development, maintaining the GTG website, and serving as the main point of contact for GTG-related events in collaboration with the CISAC events team.

This is a one-year, fixed-term, benefits-eligible position.

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.

Education & 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:

• Demonstrated research and analytic experience in the geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence.
• Demonstrated research and analytic experience in the global diffusion of AI and competition among nation-states for influence over this diffusion.
• Demonstrated research and analytic experience in ethical issues relating to the diffusion of new technologies.
• Prior experience managing policy-oriented research programs.

• Ability to work on campus
• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally use a telephone.
• Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

• May be required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support of research work.

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.