The Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, will fund one postdoctoral research scholar position in national security and intelligence studies during the 2021-22 academic year.

Intelligence is central to the making and study of national security policy, as underscored by the role of intelligence in major recent controversies—the terrorist attacks of September 11, the US invasion of Iraq, the hunt for Osama bin Laden, and Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. These events highlight the critical need for a deep and sophisticated understanding of the intelligence business and its role in contemporary issues of national security. The Saltzman Institute’s Program on National Security & Intelligence Studies seeks to more fully integrate key aspects of intelligence—its history, evolution, changing role/capabilities, and current day mission and workforce culture–into the SIPA/Columbia international relations and national security curriculum. An important initiative of the program is to expand opportunities for participation for BIPOC and female students, as well as students from developing nations.

The position will be based in New York City, within the Saltzman Institute at Columbia University, for a 12-month term, encompassing the 2021-2022 academic year. To be eligible, applicants should receive a Ph.D. degree prior to August 31, 2021.

The postdoctoral research scholar will be expected to dedicate the majority of their time to research in the fields intelligence and national security, as part of the Saltzman Institute’s new Program on Intelligence and National Security; and to complete substantive work such as a book, article(s), or other significant publication while in residence. They will teach one graduate level course, also open to advanced undergraduates, in the area of intelligence and national security, and will be expected to attend and participate in Institute-sponsored events including public and private seminars, panels, conferences, research colloquia, and meetings.

We will consider applications from American and foreign students. The position will be compensated at a salary of $75,000 plus benefits.

The program is directed by Institute Director Keren Yarhi-Milo, the Arnold A. Saltzman Professor of War and Peace Studies, with the assistance of Senior Research Scholar Dr. Peter Clement. Questions may be directed to Assistant Director Ingrid Gerstmann at ig79@columbia.edu.

Application materials should include a CV, a research statement, a cover letter, a letter of recommendation, and a list of two additional academic references whom we will contact. Materials should be sent as one .pdf attachment via email to Assistant Director Ingrid Gerstmann at ig79@columbia.edu.