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

The Emerging Technologies & Nuclear Security Fellow (postdoctoral or predoctoral) participates in research projects connecting emerging technologies and nuclear and/or biological security (we are primarily interested in candidates focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and nuclear/biological security). Faculty interested in residing at CNS during sabbatical leave also are encouraged to apply.

This is an interdisciplinary fellowship, and we welcome applicants from public policy, international relations, and the social sciences, as well as from computer science, engineering, and the natural sciences. Start date is flexible, but successful applicants can begin as early as July 1, 2027. Preference will be given to applications received prior to February 1, 2027.

This is a full-time benefits-eligible staff position. The position is in-person at the Monterey office of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), a research center of Middlebury College.

Essential Functions

During their year in residence in Monterey, the fellow will be expected to:

• Publish a significant scholarly work in the field of emerging technologies and nuclear or biological security;

• Conduct research connecting emerging technologies and nuclear or biological security. This will include collaborating with CNS’s in-house AI Innovation Lab and participating in CNS’s Asilomar Process for AI & Global Security;

• Provide lectures to students, staff, and visiting fellows at CNS on these topics as part of CNS’s next-generation training programs.

General Responsibilities

• Publish research results in scholarly (peer-reviewed) and policy-oriented publications;

• Present research at professional meetings, including international conferences;

• Mentor students and junior staff connected to their research team.

Compensation

Compensation for this position is at the CNS3 level depending on educational and professional qualifications. This is a full-time (1 FTE) benefits eligible, salaried position with a duration of one year and a hiring range of $67,866 to $100,000. Predoctoral candidates will be hired in the CNS3A range (hiring minimum of $67,866), while postdoctoral candidates will be hired in the CNS3B-D range dependent on experience (hiring minimum of $76,363). Candidates with their own fellowship or sabbatical funding will also be considered for the position (please discuss in your cover letter).

Requirements

Education

Research experience linked to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence or quantum computing, and international security (with a preference for candidates with nuclear security experience).

For the postdoctoral fellowship, applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field in hand before arrival. Both policy and technical backgrounds are welcome. Advanced Ph.D. students (ABD) will also be considered for the predoctoral fellowship, which carries the same responsibilities. Please indicate in your application whether you are applying for the postdoctoral or the predoctoral fellowship.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, as well as the ability to translate those skills into publishable scholarly and policy-relevant products;

• Exceptional knowledge of the connection between emerging technologies and international security;

• Strong public speaking, lecturing, and teaching skills.

Experience

• Academic publication record;

• Lecturing or teaching experience is preferred;

• Professional experience in the emerging technologies and global security/nuclear security field is preferred;

• Experience in public policy settings is desirable.

Physical Demands

• Middlebury College maintains a smoke-free workplace and complies with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act.

• This position requires modest physical exertion and the ability to sit for extended periods of time. It also requires fine dexterity and ability to grasp, i.e. for writing and word processing. Periodic travel to CNS offices and national and international conferences is required.

Other:

An offer for this position is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and references.

Benefits

As an employee of Middlebury College, you will enjoy being part of a vibrant supportive community. Middlebury offers its employees excellent compensation and competitive health, dental, life, disability, generous retirement matching, and vision benefits, Middlebury offers a generous time away program—up to 34 days per year during the first two years of service, increasing as the term of service lengthens. Middlebury employees are eligible for robust educational assistance programs. The result is a very high quality-of-life in a gorgeous setting. Come join us and be a part of our team!

Middlebury College is an equal-opportunity employer where diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. To this end, the College recruits talented and diverse faculty, staff, and students from across the United States and around the world. Middlebury College encourages applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of other protected classes and historically underrepresented communities. The College also invites applications from individuals who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace