The Research Fellow for Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs is a position within the Institute for National Strategic Studies at National Defense University. Research fellows conduct applied research and provide strategic advice to include the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Combatant Commands, and Services.
This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.
Summary
The Research Fellow for Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs is a position within the Institute for National Strategic Studies at National Defense University. Research fellows conduct applied research and provide strategic advice to include the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Combatant Commands, and Services.
This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.
The Research Fellow (RF) serves in the Study of Chinese Military Affairs within the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS). His/her major duties and responsibilities are as follows:
Research: All Research Fellows are required to conduct directed and independent research and produce scholarly studies and strategic analyses involving China and Taiwan. Research Fellows are expected to produce the equivalent of two original, high-quality research articles published in peer-reviewed journals annually. The articles can be scholarly or policy oriented. Research Fellows follow rigorous scholarly protocols based on sound research methodology, data collection, and evaluation to shape U.S. strategy and inform U.S. policy. This effort includes promoting research products through short articles and opinion pieces/blog posts.
Research Fellows also participate in collaborative relationships as members of an INSS group or research team assigned to examine a particular national security policy issue or question. Research Fellows keep abreast of strategic studies, U.S. policy, and research activities in their area of expertise across the DoD, the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Services, other government agencies, industry, and academia. As required, the Research Fellows travel to the region and domestically to attend meetings, conferences, and symposia to engage with DoD staff and agencies, Combatant Commands, government agencies, academic institutions, and businesses. Research Fellows ensure all actions contribute in a professional and positive manner to timely attainment of assigned group or team objectives.
Engagement: Research Fellows interact with and present study and research results to senior DoD officials on the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Combatant Commands, and other government agencies and civilian institutions and businesses. Research Fellows deliver oral briefings, organize and participate in briefings, roundtables, workshops, or conferences (or their equivalent), and prepare and disseminate event and trip reports and other analytical products throughout DoD and other relevant government agencies.
Teaching/JPME: Research Fellows contribute to the intellectual community of JPME institutions in general and to the National Defense University in particular. This effort includes guest lecturing or contributing to teaching in core or elective courses at NDU, contributing to curriculum development, collaborating on programs targeting student, faculty, and/or staff development, and/or significant student mentoring or advisory programs. Teaching support is based on the needs of the colleges but also with consideration of Research Fellow's expertise and ongoing research plans.
University Service: Research Fellows are expected to support research and scholarship across NDU. These activities include but are not limited to; conducting peer reviews of research and publications by other INSS Fellows, serving on a university/college hiring or promotion boards, maintaining an NDU-wide community of interest (COIs), participating in NDU academic and other programs to enhance student and faculty scholarship, supporting NDU senior leader engagements, and developing and hosting a conference and written report for the NDU community and DOD stakeholders.
Administrative Requirements: Research Fellows are expected to comply with all administrative requirements in an effective and timely manner. This standard includes completing conference, travel, and country clearance requests, travel vouchers, trip reports, training requirements, and other administrative forms and tasks as required.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.ssa.gov/)
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
The position is governed by 10 USC 1595 and NDUI 1416.0l dated March 2017.
Must be able and willing to travel both domestically and internationally. Travel is seldom required. Less than 20 % of the time.
The incumbent must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Doctorate or an all-but-dissertation status (ABD) from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalents) in international relations/affairs, political science, public policy, Asian studies, or other national security studies with a specific focus on China. Professional reading ability in Chinese sufficient to work with Chinese language source materials.
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS: Knowledge of scholarly research methodologies, demonstrated ability to identify, acquire, and analyze primary and secondary sources of information pertaining to strategic and security studies in general and China in particular, and ability to lead research teams. Substantial record of quality peer-reviewed professional publications, books, or reports related to strategic and security studies involving China specifically and Asia generally, including on the implications for U.S. national security policy and defense plans. OR, as a practitioner with at least 5 years professional experience, having held senior positions in government or the private sector with proven analytic skills and an extensive record of producing quality written reports for high-ranking officials.
ENGAGEMENT: Experience with senior U.S. government officials, international counterparts, or other professional audiences on international/regional security, defense policy, and military issues and/or experience working with U.S. national security, defense strategy, and policy decision-making institutions. Skill and experience preparing and presenting complex material resulting from research analyses to DoD senior leaders and/or other professional audiences.
TEACHING & ACADEMIC SUPPORT: Experience in guest lecturing or teaching or developing curricula for courses in relevant areas involving international affairs, national security policy and decision-making with an emphasis on China.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience conducting field research on China, that involves primary source materials, with a focus on Chinese security and military issues. Expertise on Chinese technology issues, Chinese strategy, or advanced quantitative research methodology is especially desired.
Experience conducting applied research directly for, or in support of DoD, to include DoD wide research labs, JPME institutions, or federally funded research and development centers.
Experience teaching graduate-level courses in relevant areas involving international affairs, national security policy and decision-making.
Current Sensitive Compartmented Information Security Clearance.
Listening, speaking, and writing proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Education Requirement: Doctorate or an all-but-dissertation status (ABD) from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalents) in international relations/affairs, political science, public policy, Asian studies, or other national security studies with a specific focus on China. Professional reading ability in Chinese sufficient to work with Chinese language source materials.
Official transcripts will be required at time of selection to verify educational requirements are met.
Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if the position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment, if selected for the role. * An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence PRIOR to appointment.
Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education.
Additional information
NDU has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings; health, life, and long term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. NDU employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and the opportunity to telecommute.
Background or Security Investigation: This is a Special Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information security determination to occupy a Special Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment.
Initial Probationary Period: You will be required to serve an initial probationary period of 18 months.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A screening panel will review your resume and narrative answers to the assessment questions to evaluate your qualifications for the position. NDU uses a multi-tier selection process for academic positions.
Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Résumé: The latest resume submitted will be used to determine qualifications. All conferred degrees and certifications should be included in your resume for full consideration
Complete Assessment Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit.
NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met.
Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement.
SF-50 - (If applicable) Notification of Personnel Action for current or former federal employees- with the exception of current permanent NDU employees, please provide your most recent SF50 or the SF50 reflecting Career/Career-Conditional tenure and the highest grade held on a permanent basis.
If you claim Veteran's Preference:
- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.
- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
Other documents identified in the announcement.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
National Defense University
300 5th Avenue Bldg 62
Washington, DC 20319
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. ALL eligible applicants will be referred to NDU which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. NDU will contact the applicants directly they would like to interview. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to drive status updates notification for applicants. You can elect to activate the proactive notification from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process to sign-up for automatic alerts when there are status changes for jobs to which you have applied.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Résumé: The latest resume submitted will be used to determine qualifications. All conferred degrees and certifications should be included in your resume for full consideration
Complete Assessment Questionnaire
Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit.
NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met.
Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement.
SF-50 - (If applicable) Notification of Personnel Action for current or former federal employees- with the exception of current permanent NDU employees, please provide your most recent SF50 or the SF50 reflecting Career/Career-Conditional tenure and the highest grade held on a permanent basis.
If you claim Veteran's Preference:
- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.
- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
Other documents identified in the announcement.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
National Defense University
300 5th Avenue Bldg 62
Washington, DC 20319
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. ALL eligible applicants will be referred to NDU which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. NDU will contact the applicants directly they would like to interview. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to drive status updates notification for applicants. You can elect to activate the proactive notification from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process to sign-up for automatic alerts when there are status changes for jobs to which you have applied.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
