CNS Postdoc/Predoc Fellowship in Emerging Tech & Nuclear/Biological Security

Middlebury College • Monterey, CA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Emerging Technologies & Nuclear Security Fellow is a postdoctoral or predoctoral, interdisciplinary fellowship at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), a research center of Middlebury College. The fellow conducts research connecting emerging technologies with nuclear and/or biological security, with particular interest in artificial intelligence and nuclear/biological security. Applicants from public policy, international relations, social sciences, computer science, engineering, and natural sciences are welcome. Faculty interested in residing at CNS during sabbatical leave are also encouraged to apply.

The fellow spends a year in residence at CNS’s Monterey office, collaborating with CNS’s in-house AI Innovation Lab and participating in the Asilomar Process for AI & Global Security. The role includes producing significant scholarly research, publishing in scholarly and policy-oriented outlets, presenting research at professional meetings, lecturing in CNS training programs, and mentoring students and junior staff. The start date is flexible, with successful candidates able to begin as early as July 1, 2027. Applications received before February 1, 2027, receive preference.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried staff position with a one-year duration. Compensation is at the CNS3 level based on education and professional qualifications, with a hiring range of $67,866 to $100,000. Predoctoral candidates are hired in the CNS3A range, with a hiring minimum of $67,866; postdoctoral candidates are hired in the CNS3B-D range, with a hiring minimum of $76,363. Candidates with their own fellowship or sabbatical funding may also be considered. The position is in person at the Monterey office and requires periodic travel to CNS offices and national and international conferences.

Requirements

• Research experience linked to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence or quantum computing, and international security; nuclear security experience is preferred.
• Postdoctoral applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field before arrival.
• Advanced Ph.D. students (ABD) may be considered for the predoctoral fellowship.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to produce publishable scholarly and policy-relevant work.
• Exceptional knowledge of the connection between emerging technologies and international security.
• Strong public speaking, lecturing, and teaching skills.
• Academic publication record.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and references is a condition of an offer.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and perform fine dexterity tasks, such as writing and word processing.

Nice To Haves

• Lecturing or teaching experience is preferred.
• Professional experience in emerging technologies and global security or nuclear security is preferred.
• Experience in public policy settings is desirable.
• Nuclear security research experience is preferred.
• Candidates with their own fellowship or sabbatical funding will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research connecting emerging technologies and nuclear or biological security.
• Collaborate with CNS’s in-house AI Innovation Lab and participate in the Asilomar Process for AI & Global Security.
• Publish a significant scholarly work in emerging technologies and nuclear or biological security.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scholarly and policy-oriented publications.
• Present research at professional meetings, including international conferences.
• Lecture to students, staff, and visiting fellows as part of CNS’s next-generation training programs.
• Mentor students and junior staff connected to the research team.
• Travel periodically to CNS offices and national and international conferences.

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, life, disability, and vision benefits.
• Generous retirement matching.
• Time-away program of up to 34 days per year during the first two years of service, increasing with length of service.
• Educational assistance programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree