The primary role of a Research Assistant (RA) is to provide assistance to faculty mentor to enhance the value and effectiveness of AFIT sponsored research, which feeds and enhances AFIT graduate education and coursework.
RA duties will generally include will generally include activities directly supporting research including, but not limited to: maintaining labs, equipment, hardware, and software; literature reviews; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; adapting existing equipment to support new research; and developing research products such as papers, presentations, and code that support sponsored research deliverables.
RAs work under the close supervision of an experienced graduate faculty member, and the association is meant to be collegial and educational. In consultation with the supervisor, the RA works to gain research skills and to enhance his/her grasp of the essentials of the academic discipline, the conduct of research, the role and responsibilities of a faculty member, and the role of technology in support of the Air Force. RAs will perform duties consistent with their prior academic preparation and experience.
Teaching:
The primary duty of a Teaching Assistant (TA) is to provide teaching assistance to the instructor of record in the classroom, which cannot be classified as routing clerical work, to enhance the value and effectiveness of AFIT graduate education.
TA duties will generally include coordinating courses, assisting with classroom discussions, supporting in-classroom activities, recommending grades on homework and exams, conducting review and assistance sessions, assisting with classroom management (e.g. attending classes, taking notes, taking attendance, proctoring exams, and corresponding with class members), setting up labs, developing supporting course material, and other relevant duties as assigned.
TA's with at least a MS/ME may also deliver lessons under controlled conditions (e.g., with the instructor of record present), prepare lecture materials, and assist in the development of ho9mework and exams. TA's will work under the close supervision of an experienced instructor of record for each course, and the association is meant to be collegial and educational. In consultation with the instructor of record, the TA works to gain instructional skills and to enhance his/her grasp of essentials of the academic discipline, the role and responsibilities of a faculty member, and the role of technology in support of the Air Force.
Additional duties supporting the academic and administrative aspects of a military school can be assigned by school and/or university leaders.
Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guidance
Secret Clearance Required.
The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee’s failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination.
Travel by military or commercial transportation to gather ideas for improving the curriculum, establish research contacts and agreements, conduct research, and present results of research may be required.
Disclosure of Political Appointments
Initial appointment is under Schedule A appointing authority; Excepted Service Appointment Not-To-Exceed 366 days.
At the time of the expiration of the initial appointment, an employee who adequately demonstrates professional competence can be extended in increments of 366 days.
Appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.
An initial appointment can be allowed to expire for an employee who does not adequately demonstrate professional competence.
The appointment cannot be converted to a permanent tenure in the competitive service.
This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
Current Federal employees on a permanent or indefinite appointment will be required to have a minimum of 3-day break in service if selected.
Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Shift work and emergency overtime may be required.
Employee must maintain current certifications.
Selectee may be subject to serve a one-year trial period.
Candidates are not required to have active-duty service or veterans' preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is an Administratively Determined position in the excepted service.
Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used. Permanent Change in Station (PCS) cost is not authorized.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
To qualify, a candidate must meet the education and/or experience requirements described.
Candidates must be a U.S. citizen with a relevant technical undergraduate degree in science or engineering disciplines which include but not limited to the following occupational series: 04XX, 08SS, 13SS, or 15XX series from an accredited institution by the time employment begins and in rare cases, those with equivalent experience, education and professional recognition.
The ability to write programs in Python, Java, C++, or other higher-level languages and/or computational packages, such as Matlab or Mathematica, and plotting packages for data processing and presentation is highly desired.
Possess the ability to communicate clearly and expertly (in English) in both verbal and written forms concerning academic, administrative, and technical subject matters is required.
The candidate's resume must clearly describe relevant experience; transcripts will be required as part of the application. An interview is expected to be performed as part of the candidate hiring process.
Applicants will be assessed based on education, evidence of teaching effectiveness, quality of scholarship, and demonstrated service to educational institutions and the discipline commensurate with years in the discipline.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. 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 conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is an Administratively Determined position in the Excepted Service.
Late applications from veterans will not be accepted for faculty positions. Late applications for veterans only apply when filling positions in the competitive service.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information click here.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service of at least three (3) calendar days may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
AFIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities.
Application materials become the property of AFIT and WILL NOT be returned.
Applications submitted under this announcement will be considered ONLY for this vacancy.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
This is an open continuous announcement and will be used to fill vacancies as openings occur. To receive consideration for vacancies, applicants must submit complete applications prior to the established cut-off date(s). Application initial cut-off date is 30 Nov 2026 and every 30 days thereafter. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. This announcement will remain open until the closing date indicated; however, those who apply after the cut-off date will be considered for referral to the hiring manager only if no selection is made from the initial group or if additional vacancies occur and the initial referral list yielded an insufficient number of candidates. If you make corrections and resubmit your application, the date the application is last submitted will be used to determine those who are considered to have met the cut-off date. This announcement is open until 30 Sep 2027 and may be used to fill like vacancies for 90 days after the closing date.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Starting September 27, 2025, USAJOBS began restricting all resumes to two pages in length.
Applicants possessing the required qualifications as contained within this announcement will be evaluated and ranked by a Faculty-Rating Panel based on the extent to which their experience and education relate to the requirements of the position. A personal interview and presentation to the faculty may be required of the top applicants.
Applicants will be assessed based on their teaching credentials, scholarship, service, and education. Your application package (curriculum vitae, OFFICIAL transcripts, supporting documents, etc.) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
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.
To apply, please submit the following documents through USAJOBS:
Cover letter, which should address your qualifications for the position described above. Include the Announcement Number for this position in your letter.
Curriculum vitae (CV) or academic resume.
Transcripts: Legible PDF copies of official transcripts are acceptable for initial application submission. If an official transcript is not yet available due to a recent graduation, a letter of degree completion provided by the university awarding the degree will suffice. However, if selected, you will be required to provide original copies of official transcripts.
Foreign Education: A U.S. Equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) credentialing agency (i.e., AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion for education completed in foreign colleges or university.
Separate List of Professional References: Names and contact information for three individuals who can speak to your accomplishments, work ethic, and character. These individuals should have no stake in the outcome of this search.
Veterans: If claiming VRA, VEOA or Veterans' Preference - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service/type under honorable conditions (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If you are also claiming 10-point preference and/or 30% Disabled Veteran, you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces (or documentation of Purple Heart, if applicable).
Active Duty Service Members: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
Branch of Armed Forces
Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s))
Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.
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.
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 begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: a letter of application (cover letter), curriculum vitae, legible copies of ALL transcripts, statement of teaching, and statement of research interest. PLEASE NOTE: A Doctoral degree is required before employment begins, but ALL transcripts must be provided for ALL degrees being pursued or obtained as stated in your curriculum vitae are required.
Questions on the position opening or the Department should be directed to the Management Analyst, Tammy Nixon at email: tammy.nixon.3@us.af.mil. You can also notify her of your intention to apply.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
1. Your Resume/ Curriculum Vitae:
Resumes/Curriculum Vitae may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
If you submit more than one Resume/Curriculum Vitae, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume/Curriculum Vitae must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume/Curriculum Vitae does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
Teaching accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards
Service Accomplishments: Include membership, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, please provide basic eligibility information in your cover letter. Also include in your application a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and, if disabled, a completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference), along with a letter for federal employment from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicating your service-connected disability rating.
IF APPLICABLE: An active-duty military member's statement of service/certification letter will be accepted in lieu of a DD-214. The statement/certification letter can be obtained from your servicing military personnel office and must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate your rank, dates of active-duty service, and type of discharge/character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military separation, if member is on terminal leave, and if applicable, with the appropriate 180-day approved waiver.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
Upon vacancy closeout, applicants will be notified via e-mail acknowledging receipt of their application package and advised of the anticipated selection date.
Upon candidate selection, all applicants will be notified via e-mail of their selection/non-selection status.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply, please submit the following documents through USAJOBS:
Cover letter, which should address your qualifications for the position described above. Include the Announcement Number for this position in your letter.
Curriculum vitae (CV) or academic resume.
Transcripts: Legible PDF copies of official transcripts are acceptable for initial application submission. If an official transcript is not yet available due to a recent graduation, a letter of degree completion provided by the university awarding the degree will suffice. However, if selected, you will be required to provide original copies of official transcripts.
Foreign Education: A U.S. Equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) credentialing agency (i.e., AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion for education completed in foreign colleges or university.
Separate List of Professional References: Names and contact information for three individuals who can speak to your accomplishments, work ethic, and character. These individuals should have no stake in the outcome of this search.
Veterans: If claiming VRA, VEOA or Veterans' Preference - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service/type under honorable conditions (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If you are also claiming 10-point preference and/or 30% Disabled Veteran, you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces (or documentation of Purple Heart, if applicable).
Active Duty Service Members: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
Branch of Armed Forces
Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s))
Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.
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.
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 begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: a letter of application (cover letter), curriculum vitae, legible copies of ALL transcripts, statement of teaching, and statement of research interest. PLEASE NOTE: A Doctoral degree is required before employment begins, but ALL transcripts must be provided for ALL degrees being pursued or obtained as stated in your curriculum vitae are required.
Questions on the position opening or the Department should be directed to the Management Analyst, Tammy Nixon at email: tammy.nixon.3@us.af.mil. You can also notify her of your intention to apply.
An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.
1. Your Resume/ Curriculum Vitae:
Resumes/Curriculum Vitae may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
If you submit more than one Resume/Curriculum Vitae, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.
For qualification determination your Resume/Curriculum Vitae must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume/Curriculum Vitae does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
Teaching accomplishments: Include teaching experience and teaching awards
Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards
Service Accomplishments: Include membership, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc.
Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, please provide basic eligibility information in your cover letter. Also include in your application a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and, if disabled, a completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference), along with a letter for federal employment from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicating your service-connected disability rating.
IF APPLICABLE: An active-duty military member's statement of service/certification letter will be accepted in lieu of a DD-214. The statement/certification letter can be obtained from your servicing military personnel office and must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate your rank, dates of active-duty service, and type of discharge/character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military separation, if member is on terminal leave, and if applicable, with the appropriate 180-day approved waiver.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
Upon vacancy closeout, applicants will be notified via e-mail acknowledging receipt of their application package and advised of the anticipated selection date.
Upon candidate selection, all applicants will be notified via e-mail of their selection/non-selection status.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
