<!--anchor--> <!--anchor--> Research Associate in the Freeman Air and Space Institute (FASI) <!--anchor-->

The successful candidate will join a growing team in the Freeman Air and Space Institute (FASI), School of Security Studies, King’s College London, during an exciting period in its development. The post holder will be responsible for conducting original research and analysis of current and emerging air and space issues, and working with the Director, Executive Director, and other staff to support FASI’s growing portfolio of activities.

Examples of relevant subject matter for the post include: air and space strategy, doctrine and operations; integrated air and missile defence; future combat air and space power; artificial intelligence and air/space operations; deterrence in the air and space domains; and the public-private dimensions of air and space policy and procurement.

The post holder must have a PhD ideally in a topic relevant to air and space power, although strong applications from candidates with PhDs on contemporary non-air/space topics within the broader field of strategic studies will also be considered.

The selection process will include a criteria based shortlisting process and panel-based interview. Interviews will be held the week after the closing date if possible.

Interviews will be held on 6 July 2022

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract until November 2024.

• Conduct and publish original research on contemporary/future air and space policy and security issues, as agreed with the Director and Executive Director of FASI.
• Manage the commissioning and editorial process for FASI’s publications, including author liaison, the peer review procedure, proof-reading and related promotional events and marketing.
• Contribute to providing a range of opportunities for education in air and space power, including in the field of postgraduate research and in executive education.
• Contribute to the internal and external visibility of the Institute, including leading in certain event organisation, managing social media and appearing in the media as required.
• Contribute to the management of research into air and space power contributing directly to FASI research outputs, including working with Visiting Fellows as required.
• Engage with a range of key stakeholders in the UK and abroad to maximise synergies within the study and analysis of air and space power.
• Contribute to the knowledge transfer and capacity building activities of FASI as directed by the Institute’s leadership.
• Support the identification and pursuit of opportunities to secure external funding for FASI from a wide range of potential stakeholders.
• Attend and, as appropriate, present research finding and papers at internal meetings and external professional events and conferences.
• Work as a conscientious and committed member of the team to achieve the aims of the projects.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Essential criteria 

1.       Degree in relevant subject. 

2.       PhD in relevant subject. Please note that this is a post-doctoral role and requires a PhD. Applicants who do not possess a PhD, or have not already submitted their PhD dissertation and have been examined, will not be considered. 

3.       Knowledge of air and space power and associated relevant subject matters, which may include, but not necessarily confined to: air/ space strategy, doctrine and operations; future combat air and space power; artificial intelligence and air/space operations; deterrence in the air and space domains; ethics in the use of air and space power and the public-private dimensions of air and space policy and procurement. 

4.       Excellent presentational skills. 

5.       Experience in producing research in the air and space power domain or on related contemporary non-air/space topics in the broader field of strategic studies. 

6.       Desire to promote the subject at all levels. 

Desirable criteria

1.        Evidence of the ability to manage administrative tasks and processes, using standard Microsoft packages including Excel. 

2.        Experience in implementing air and space power capacity building activity. 

3.        Experience in communications and media activity. 

4.       Experience of event management and facilitating skills.

 Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

The selection process will include a criteria based shortlisting process and panel based interview.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact: Dr David Jordan, [email protected]