Research Assistant to the Director - Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST)

About the role

CMIST is a university-wide institute that integrates Carnegie Mellon's leadership in computer science and engineering with its distinguished tradition of interdisciplinary research. Combining academic rigor with a think tank orientation, CMIST is dedicated to the responsible development, application, and governance of new and emerging technologies that are reshaping national and international security.

Acting as a bridge across major research units, CMIST serves as the university's hub for education and scholarship in political science, strategy, and the future of war and peace. It fosters innovative thinking to inform new frameworks for addressing contemporary and long-term security challenges.

The Director of the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology (CMIST) at Carnegie Mellon University seeks up to two part-time research assistants to help with major analytical projects on Strategy and Technology. Candidates with strong research and writing abilities and expertise in national security, military history, political science, or a specific emerging technology (e.g., biotechnology, machine learning, artificial intelligence, advanced robotics or space-based systems) are highly encouraged to apply. This position will be located in Washington, D.C.

Research Assistants will work directly with and report to the Director. These fixed-term positions are ideal for D.C.-based postdoctoral students, PhD candidates or Masters students seeking flexible work hours while advancing their knowledge of emerging technologies and national security.

Core responsibilities include

Research and Analysis

• Conduct high-quality research using online databases, in-person archives, and research libraries
• Locate and analyze hard-to-find sources, including tracking down works in local archives and/or the Library of Congress
• Write advanced summaries of major arguments and prominent sources (without relying primarily on LLMs)
• Draft literature reviews
• Support data collection, database management, and the conceptualization of data-supported research
• Conduct structured interviews with D.C.-based experts and policymakers
• Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Editorial Skills

• Exceptional organizational skills
• Strong writing and editing skills, including excellent grammar
• Careful attention to detail and meticulous fact-checking
• Ability to manage bibliographies, footnotes, endnotes, and other elements of complex manuscripts
• Ability to locate images or graphics to accompany publications
• Other editorial or administrative tasks as assigned

Additional information

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate

• Interest in researching, analyzing, and writing on strategy and technology
• Good judgement on reliability of sources-i.e., able to differentiate between primary, secondary, and popular or superficial information
• Some background or knowledge of science and technology, especially emerging technologies and defense applications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in an area relevant to national security, strategy and technology (e.g., political science, history, strategic studies, international relations; or a relevant STEM area such as biology, computer science, or robotic engineering, etc.)
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality
• Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Google Workplace (Gmail, contacts, calendar, docs, etc.), Zoom
• Willingness to go occasionally to the Washington Office of CMIST (located on Capitol Hill).
• A writing sample that also demonstrates advanced research skills is required.
• Responsible, self-disciplined worker who takes initiative and follows through
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Masters, PhD, or postdoctoral-level candidates and/or those with easy access to excellent library resources

Additional Information

• US citizenship is required for this position.
• This is a part time, hourly position, averaging 10-15 hours per week.
• Work Location: This position is based in Washington, D.C.
• Travel Requirements: Some travel around the city, including to archives, libraries, interviews, hearings, or the CMIST Washington Office, may be required.
• Typical Work Schedule: Flexible working hours, except for mutually scheduled virtual meetings with the Director or periodic in-person research tasks (library work, archival work, hearings, interviews, etc.).
• Fixed-Term: This is a fixed-term position with an estimated duration of four months

Pay and benefits

In accordance with the pay transparency legislation set forth by D.C., the corresponding salary range for this position, if placed in D.C., ranges between $18.00-$30.00/hour.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

• Location
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Job Function
• Researchers
• Position Type
• Staff - Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
• Full Time/Part time
• Part time
• Pay Basis
• Hourly

More Information

• Please visit " Why Carnegie Mellon " to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance