Postdoctoral Associate, Space Policy

The Space Policy Institute is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher in Space Policy to join our academic and interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will investigate how diverse ambitions (political, technological, scientific, ethical, legal, economic growth, sustainability, resilience) of multicultural stakeholders be realized in the future space exploration era through constructive and novel governance structures.

Responsibilities:

- Conduct an institutional mapping process of multiple space stakeholders (e.g. space agencies, governments, industry, commercial space actors, research organization and academia) active in deep space exploration in the major space-faring nations and evaluate their interdependency.

- Make a comprehensive overview of creative proposals published on novel governance structures supported by experts from the space, non-space sector and the humanities.

- Analyze the concept of "international environmental impact assessments" concerning deep space exploration that might influence with scientific research or natural, cultural or ethical values.

- Monitor and analyze policy developments with colleagues and external partners to design and conduct surveys, interviews, and workshops aimed at understanding the multi-stakeholder deep space exploration sector.

- Author and contribute to the development of reports, policy briefs, and academic publications to disseminate research findings and present research findings at conferences, workshops, and seminars.

- Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

This is a full-time position of two-years based at the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University in Washington DC, USA. It is part of a John Templeton Foundation grant in close cooperation with the International Space University ISU. Joint activities with ISU are part of this project. The successful candidate will have opportunities for professional development and networking within the field of space policy or a related field of interest.

Qualified candidates will hold a Doctoral degree or comparable doctoral degree in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

- A Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field such as political science, history, law, space policy, or a related discipline. The degree should have been awarded within the past 2-3 years.

- Strong background and research expertise in political science and history, law or related areas.

- Knowledge of space agreements, treaties, and governance frameworks, as well as an understanding of the geopolitical factors that influence space activities.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write for both academic and policy-oriented audiences.

- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with researchers from diverse backgrounds.

- Experience presenting research findings at workshops and conferences, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals is desirable.

- Experience in conference organization and grant writing would be an asset.

Employees in this subfamily are responsible for designing and conducting experiments in a controlled laboratory setting. Duties may include performing experiments, collecting, analyzing and reporting data.

This appointment will be for 1 year and 6 months.