Social Science Research Assistant in London

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.

Professor Oriana Mastro is seeking a full-time 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 and communication needs. The Research Assistant will support an ongoing book project on China-Russia military relationship as well as a number of major ongoing research initiatives on deterrence and escalation over Taiwan, Chinese overseas interests, and Beijing’s relationship with the developing world. The Research Assistant will also be supporting a teaching portfolio on international security and Chinese military strategy and security policy.

The Research Assistant Will Work Directly With Dr. Mastro To Conduct Research, Draft Reports, And Work On a Variety Of Projects Including:

• Conducting literature reviews, revising and editing documents, fact-finding and checking.
• Assist with proposals and reports, competitive grant submissions, including drafting and keeping track of budget projections and expenditures.
• Supporting teaching and external speaking engagements by preparing presentations, updating lecture materials, and producing related correspondence.
• Serve as a lead Research Assistant for student RAs, including organizing and delegating tasks; reviewing work products, and providing feedback.
• Manage a very busy calendar; arrange domestic and international travel, and complete reimbursements and payments.
• Assisting with updates to Dr. Mastro’s and related program webpages, including posting publications and event announcements in coordination with Stanford communications offices.

This is a one year fixed-term position. The position will begin July/August 2026 and may be extended based on programmatic need and funding availability.

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 Requirements:

• Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.
• Experience in conducting policy-relevant academic research (such as an honors thesis or RA to a professor or researcher at a think tank).
• Demonstrated interest in international security, Chinese military strategy, and related Indo‑Pacific related security and policy issues.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance and manage multiple research tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, and editing for accuracy.
• Ability to update academic and program webpages in coordination with communications staff.
• Ability to assist with travel coordination, reimbursement processes, and expense tracking while following university policies and procedures.
• Experience providing feedback on research tasks to student assistants with tact, clarity, and attention to accuracy.

Working Conditions:

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

Work Standards:

• 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.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.