Gordian Knot Center – Research Associate

🔍 Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Research

📅   : Dec 01, 2023 Post Date

📅   : 101599 Requisition #

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
The Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation is a relatively new program with the goal of coordinating resources at Stanford and peer universities and across both Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem and the U.S. government’s national security enterprise to execute three lines of effort:
● National security innovation education;
● Training the next generation of national security innovators; and
● Policy outreach and impact.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:
● We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
● We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
● We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
● We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
● We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:
We are looking for a Social Science Research Professional who is excited to be part of a small team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and help build and shape this novel program.

Reporting to the Assistant Director / Center Director, the Social Science Research Professional function is a partner for content and implementation for the other Center Staff by:
▪ Assisting the Center with research that ensures that the Center’s content remains current and relevant across its education, training, and policy efforts.
▪ Planning, supporting, and executing the Center’s regular Track 1.5 (i.e., government + private sector) policy impact events.
▪ Supporting the Center staff as they oversee and help student teams implement the lean (Hacking for Defense) methodology across their projects both in GKC classes and in the GKC training program (Defense Innovations Scholars).
▪ Supporting student research assistants and help advance the Center’s research priorities.
▪ Updating the GKC website and help the Center drive its virtual messaging across social media.
▪ Administering, scaling, and formalizing the Center’s internal operations.

Ideal candidates will have strong familiarity and demonstrate interest at the intersection of national security and technology.
This recruitment is for a two (2) year fixed-term, benefits-eligible position that begins on the start date and may be renewable in the future based on programmatic need and funding availability. For consideration, please submit a resume and a cover letter. All final candidates must successfully complete a background check.

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.
● 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.
● 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).
● 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.
● Assist with the planning and execution of events for both students and government and industry stakeholders.
● May orient and train new staff or students.
● Help with the general administration of the Center.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
● Demonstrated oral, written, and analytical skills exhibiting fluency in area of specialization.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Strong familiarity and demonstrated interest at the intersection of national security and technology
● Strong familiarity with the Department of Defense and the US Government
● Familiarity with models of innovation such as Lean, Christensen’s Disruption theory, etc.
● Interest in emerging technology (e.g., AI, etc.)
● Familiarity with Stanford a plus
● Familiarity with Hacking 4 Defense (class and/or methodology) strongly desired
● Experience and comfort with Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint and Excel) and Google Suite
● Balance between research and policy implementation interests
● Team player for a flat organization, comfort with uncertainty, self-starter, and entrepreneurial mindset
● Detail oriented and execution-minded
● Bachelor’s Degree Preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
● Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks.
● Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
● Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
● Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others.
● On-campus mobility.

● * - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
● May have to work overtime on occasion (evening classes and periodic events).
● May travel locally.

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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $26.44 - $36.54 per hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

● Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
● A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
● A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
● Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
● Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information