Senior Research Scholar & William J. Perry Lecturer

Overview

Senior Research Scholar & William J. Perry Lecturer, Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States. Academic position posted on Oct 23, 2025 (Requisition #107620). Full-time, 3-year fixed term, renewable. Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC), part of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), is one of the nation’s leading research centers devoted to issues at the intersection of science, social science, technology, and international security.

Through policy-relevant research, teaching and training the next generation of security scholars and leaders, and engagement with policymakers, CISAC advances knowledge to build a safer world.

CISAC seeks candidates for a Senior Research Scholar position in international security, with a particular focus on public policy. The position will carry the title Senior Research Scholar & William J. Perry Lecturer. The disciplinary focus is open, but the successful candidate will have demonstrated interest or experience in policy and expertise in one or more of CISAC’s core research areas: international security, nuclear security, deterrence and conflict prevention, digital security, biosecurity, and environmental security.

This is a 100% FTE, fixed-term position for three years, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The role is benefits-eligible and non-tenure track.

• Design, teach, and update (as needed) two to three courses per year on international security and public policy at the undergraduate and/or master’s level.
• Conduct policy-relevant research on international security, independently and in collaboration with other scholars and faculty.
• Mentor postdoctoral fellows and Stanford undergraduate and graduate students with related research interests.
• Work closely with the Center Directors, other CISAC researchers, and faculty across Stanford to promote excellence in the study of security and public policy.
• Will give the annual William J. Perry Lecture.

• Expertise in international security and demonstrated capacity for analytical and policy-relevant research in one or more of CISAC’s core areas: nuclear security, digital security, biosecurity, or environmental security.
• Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant discipline (social science, law, history, science, or engineering) and minimum 5 years of policy and/or academic experience.
• Strong publication record and/or clear evidence of outstanding potential in research and teaching.
• Well-developed conceptual, analytical, and program design skills with proven ability to develop and lead independent research and courses.
• Experience teaching undergraduate courses is preferred.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume. All final candidates must successfully complete a background check. This appointment is contingent upon holding an appropriate visa work authorization for the duration of the appointment.

Initial appointment is for three years, with potential for extension based on Center needs and available funding. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.

Qualified applicants should indicate interest by emailing Rachael Madison, Associate Director for Administration and Finance, at rmadison.

The expected base pay range for this position is $139,000-$197,000 annually.

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 a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance;

as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website…