Research Associate (Outer Space)

The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) is inviting applications for the position of a Research Associate to support the Center’s work on outer space affairs and space security.

The VCDNP is an international non-governmental organisation that conducts research, facilitates dialogue, and provides capacity-building on disarmament and non-proliferation. The selected candidate will join a dynamic, international team and will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of space security governance, contributing to research, dialogue meetings, and events at multilateral forums.

Details

The Research Associate will support a project that will investigate, among other topics, international governance on destructive activities in space, addressing uncoordinated rendezvous and proximity operations, and implementing transparency and confidence-building measures in space activities.

The position is assigned for one year with the possibility of extension, based on performance. The start date will be agreed between the successful candidate and the VCDNP.

The position includes attractive opportunities for international travel.

The salary range for this position is between 46,000€ and 53,000€, depending on experience. VCDNP employees enjoy full access to social security benefits and the Austrian public healthcare system as well as income tax exemption in Austria.

Where applicable, the VCDNP will provide reimbursement of eligible expenses for relocating to Vienna, such as airfare and short-term temporary accommodation, of up to 2,000€ for candidates within Europe and up to 3,000€ for candidates outside of Europe.

Responsibilities

The position reports to the Senior Research Associate leading on outer space affairs and provides support to other projects at the VCDNP, including the Japan Chair for a World without Nuclear Weapons programme.

The Research Associate will:

• Produce research papers, reports, and briefs on outer space affairs
• Provide creative input to shape the VCDNP’s growing space portfolio
• Assist in designing, organising, and running workshops and public events at international venues
• Support continuous communication with project stakeholders and expand the VCDNP’s audience on outer space
• Manage systematic tracking of project impact
• Capture events and workshops in succinct reports
• Format and design engaging layouts for publications on outer space affairs
• Create social media content that resonates with target audiences
• Contribute to other VCDNP research projects and activities and support Center-wide programmes
• Perform other duties as required

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Graduate or postgraduate degree in International Relations, Space Law, or another field of study applicable to the VCDNP’s work
• Minimum one year of relevant experience in outer space affairs
• Experience in producing research outputs on issues such as space security, space sustainability, space law, and governance of new space technologies
• Strong writing skills and excellent command of the English language
• Experience in organising public events and workshops
• Ability to communicate professionally with officials and high-profile stakeholders
• Strong time management skills and ability to deliver to deadlines
• Close attention to detail

Preferred

• Demonstrated interest in or experience with nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues
• Experience in multilateral diplomacy or international organisations
• Experience in a think tank or research institute environment
• Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator) and producing content for corporate social media accounts

Requirements

The ability to obtain a visa for Austria is required. VCDNP employees are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit.

The position requires light to moderate physical effort and the ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit the following materials via the application form at https://vcdnp.org/research-associate-outer-space/

• CV (max. two pages)
• Motivational statement (max. 300 words)
• A two-minute video essay (see instructions below)
• Transcript of records
• Names and contact details of three references
• A list of publications, such as web or journal articles
• A writing sample in English (max. five pages)

The deadline to apply is 13 September 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Select candidates will be invited to complete a written assignment and two virtual interviews.