Summary

The Perry Center supports the community of security and defense professionals in the Americas to pursue collaborative approaches to mutual opportunities and challenges. Through academics, research, and outreach, including ministerial-level consulting, we advance sustainable institutional capacity, strengthen the rule of law and democracy, and promote greater understanding of U.S. policy throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens.

Duties

Major Duties:

The incumbent operates under the general direction and administrative guidance of the Dean of Academic Affairs, who assigns program responsibilities, provides administrative direction, defines success criteria, and directs research priorities. The role involves significant independence in supporting the WJPC mission.

Research: All research associates are required to conduct directed and independent research and produce scholarly studies and strategic analyses involving security and defense topics in the Western Hemisphere. Research associates are expected to support faculty in the production of high-quality analysis for U.S. government and partner government audiences. The articles can be scholarly or policy-oriented. Research associates 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 associates keep abreast of strategic studies, U.S. policy, and research activities in their area of expertise across the DoW, the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Services, other government agencies, industry, and academia.
- As required, the Research associates travel to the region and domestically to attend meetings, conferences, and symposia to engage with DoW staff and agencies, Combatant Commands, government agencies, academic institutions, and businesses.
- Research associates ensure all actions contribute professionally and positively to timely attainment of assigned group or team objectives.
Engagement: Research associates may be required to interact with and present study and research results to senior DoW officials, other government agencies, foreign partners, civilian institutions and businesses. Research associates 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 DoW and other relevant government agencies.
Administrative Requirements: Research associates 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 task as required. They are also expected to work closely with Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation (AM&E), Outreach & Alumni Affairs, and Operations Staff to develop routine Center reporting to Office of the Secretary of War (OSW).
Program Management: Research associates will be assigned a portfolio of academic related programs to manage. These programs are cross-cutting and affect WJPC academic activities (e.g. courses, seminars).
- Independently plans, designs, and executes projects, studies, and activities within the assigned program job scope.
- Organizes and oversees programs to align with the mission and goals of WJPC.
- Develops new programs as required to support the Center's strategic direction.
- Provides advice and consultation to professors, the Dean, Associate Directors, and the Chief of Staff to identify and resolve issues related to their assigned portfolio.
- Makes or recommends decisions on policies, operations, and administrative procedures.
- Drafts, implements, and maintains procedures and controls to ensure smooth and effective program operations. Coordinates activities to prevent delays and enhance services.
- Identifies program resource needs and communicates them to management.
- Prepares and analyzes program reports, directs the gathering of information, and evaluates processes.
Platform Management: Assists in developing and managing platforms and products, including databases, websites, and other knowledge-sharing repositories.
Liaison Duties: Coordinates with visiting professors and guest speakers, assisting with their administrative needs for WJPC activities.
Additional Duties: Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen
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 Secret clearance.
This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.
Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Earned master's degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline such as international security (defense/war) studies, international relations/affairs, public policy, and/or public management.
Minimum of one year of relevant professional experience.
Excellent written and communication skills in English and Spanish.
Demonstrated high-quality analytic research skills:
- Proven capacity to propose and conduct empirical research leading to practical policy advice and implementable programmatic recommendations.
- Ability to conduct cross/multi-disciplinary analysis and synthesis.
- Proven capacity to write under strict professional standards.
- Ability to effectively organize and communicate findings to a policy or practitioner-oriented audience.
- Rapid knowledge acquisition and learning from various methodologies, models, frameworks, or areas of inquiry.
Proven ability to work collaboratively, placing team mission and professional integrity before personal agenda.
Ability to perform in a matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders and priorities.
Detail-oriented organizational skills.
Self-management and performance in a changing, fast-paced work environment.
Professionalism and proficiency in international environments and among senior officials.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with fieldwork research methodologies.
Knowledge of defense or security sector strategic planning.
Understanding of new public management and governance benchmark models.
Proficiency in Portuguese or French.
Experience living, working, and/or studying in other countries in the Western Hemisphere.

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: An earned master's degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline such as international security (defense/war) studies, international relations/affairs, public policy, and/or public management. Official transcripts will be required at time of selection to verify educational requirements are met.

Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.

- Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official 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 a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
- 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

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) leads, directs and manages security cooperation programs and resources to support national security objectives that build relationships that promote U.S. interests, build allied and partner capacities for self-defense and coalition operations in the global war on terrorism, and promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces.

DSCA 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. DSCA employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and the opportunity to telecommute.

Background or Security Investigation: This is a Non-Critical Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Secret- security determination to occupy a Non-Critical 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.

Reemployed Annuitants: Department of Defense has the authority to hire annuitants without reduction in pay. For more information, go to: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/1400.25-V300.pdf

All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance.

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.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.

The following questions will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12955235.

The Assessment Questionnaire collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:

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

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at: Learn more about the new resume requirements.

Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.

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: Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.

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:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

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.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center

Phone

(317) 212-0454

Email

dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil

Address

DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
Apply Online
Indianapolis, IN 46249
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 DSCA which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. DSCA 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.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/08/2026 to 05/22/2026

Salary

$87,810 - $102,548 per year

Pay scale & grade

AD 3

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Fort McNair, DC

1 vacancy

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Term - 3 years

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

3

Job family (Series)

0101 Social Science

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Secret

Drug test

No

Position sensitivity and risk

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Trust determination process

National security

Financial disclosure

No

Bargaining unit status

No

Announcement number

DSCA-26-12955235-EB

Control number

868245300

US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

About Company

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE