Air University's USAF Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies invites applications for a faculty position in the area of strategic deterrence and nuclear weapons issues. Position focuses on Department of Defense nuclear enterprise; nuclear deterrence operations; relevance and role of nuclear weapons to include strategy and policy; regional nuclear security issues; and modern deterrence theory. Primary purpose is to teach courses, develop education and curriculum, direct student research, and conduct research.

Responsibilities

Teaches in Air University graduate degree programs and develops nuclear enterprise operations education and curriculum for faculty members. Functions as a member of Air University faculty team assigned to lead resident seminars and teach classes. Participates in planning, developing, and implementing course curriculum for both resident and nonresident programs. Provides recommendations, advice, and counsel on educational methods, program content, instructional materials, course organization, lesson development, lecture subjects, lecturers, and other aspects of curriculum development. Subject matter is in the areas of nuclear enterprise and operations; nuclear deterrence theory; relevance and role of nuclear weapons to include strategy and policy; regional nuclear security issues to include proliferation, non-proliferation, and political; nuclear employment; history of nuclear weapons and Air Force lessons learned to include recent events; nuclear surety to include Personal Reliability Program (PRP) compliance, safety, security, and reliability; and modern deterrence theory. Evaluates current and projected curricula and is responsible for continuity of educational philosophy. Facilitates implementation of Air University curriculum guidance by advising commandants, deans, and directorate heads on instructional methodologies and curricula and making recommendations on selection of lecturers and instructional materials to be used in the curriculum. Lectures on the topic of areas of nuclear enterprise and operations, nuclear employment, nuclear surety, compliance, etc, at all Air University schools as requested and available. Collaborates routinely with other Air University academic officers to assure evaluation programs and institutional effectiveness studies provide meaningful data relative to the accomplishment of AU educational requirements, goals, and objectives.

Conducts individual and student research. With other academic officers, ensures research studies are in line with the latest US military and Department of Defense policies. Conducts research and prepares oral presentations and written materials in the areas of nuclear enterprise and operations, nuclear deterrence theory, relevance and role of nuclear weapons to include strategy and policy, regional nuclear security studies to include proliferation, non-proliferation, and political, nuclear employment, history of nuclear weapons, and Air Force lessons learned to include recent events, nuclear surety, and modern deterrence theory. Ensures Air University is using educational best practices to leverage technology, develop sound methodology, and garner useful feedback from Air Force and Department of Defense stakeholders and students. Conducts individual research in area of expertise, writes scholarly works such as articles, monographs, and book reviews for external peer-reviewed publications, writes curriculum, broadens and deepens personal knowledge to maintain intellectual leadership. Provides leadership and oversight for specialized initiatives and research projects beneficial to Air University, the Air Force, and Department of Defense. Advises Air University students on major research projects. Establishes and continuously maintains professional contacts with educators, military officers, and institutions related to area of expertise.

Performs administrative support functions and special projects such as serving on committees, reviewing or responding to requests for information, and delivering informational briefs to visitors in support of Air University. Performs other professional duties that may be required or assigned by the senior Air University leadership.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. is required in Military or Diplomatic History, International Relations, Security Studies or a closely related field with an emphasis on strategy and international security policy.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated superior teaching performance and the ability to develop and maintain curriculum; have guided research, and published in the areas noted. Military experience in the Department of Defense nuclear enterprise is desired but not required.

The position requires an understanding of, and desirably work experience in, the areas of nuclear enterprise operations and organization; relevance and role of nuclear weapons to include strategy and policy; regional nuclear security issues to include proliferation, non-proliferation, and political; nuclear employment; history of nuclear weapons; nuclear surety to include Personal Reliability Program, compliance, safety, security, and reliability; and modern deterrence theory. Work experience in Professional Military Education is desired.

An understanding of joint/multinational/interagency/doctrine and planning procedures and familiarity with the integration and synchronization of planning across all levels of war with a focus on the operational level of war is desired. The position is open to relevant academic disciplines but the focus of academic expertise is on the history of nuclear weapons, current nuclear enterprise operations, and US deterrence theory and policy. Commitment to interdisciplinary methods and ability to teach a wide range of introductory-level courses in strategic deterrence and nuclear weapons theory is essential.

Air University is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive educational environment:

• We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty committed to inclusive teaching and scholarship.
• Prospective candidates must engender a climate that values and uses diversity in all its forms to enrich debate and make the institution more inclusive.

Applicants should address how they will further these goals in their cover letter.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship is required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service (see Legal and Regulatory Guide)
• A Top Secret security clearance is required
• You may qualify for moving expenses if authorized may be covered using PCS, Recruitment or Relocation Incentive in accordance with agency policy
• The position is subject to random drug testing
• 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)