Researcher, Space

Meridian International Center

. Research, write, and deliver the first U.S.

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $75,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in space policy and international affairs, with strong capabilities in research, writing, and project management. Proficient in navigating the U.S. space ecosystem and regulatory landscape while effectively engaging diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Space Policy ExpertiseQualitative Research SkillsExceptional Writing and EditingProject ManagementIntercultural Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ResearchingWritingPolicy AnalysisCase Study DevelopmentSource EvaluationCitationsBibliographiesExport Controls KnowledgeStakeholder InterviewsLegal and Regulatory Knowledge

Soft Skills

Strong JudgmentCultural SensitivityFlexibilityMaturityTact

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeEndNoteSalesforceCanva

Industry Keywords

International AffairsCommercial Space SectorSpace EcosystemU.S. Space ForceNASAExport ControlsLicensingPolicy PapersGuidesResearch Institutions

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research, write, and deliver the first U.S. Space Partnership Guide
Define the guide’s purpose, audiences, scope, structure, methodology, and publication plan
Develop a framework for partnership pathways across the U.S. space ecosystem
Identify case studies, best practices, dos and don’ts, and selection criteria
Build an updateable guide structure and source base
Research laws, regulations, agencies, export controls, licensing, and international space-cooperation mechanisms
Plan and conduct interviews with government officials, companies, universities, research institutions, embassies, space agencies, and experts
Attend conferences, forums, and events to gather insights and expand the contributor network
Maintain a research library, annotated bibliography, and source and interview log
Monitor policy and regulatory developments and assess implications
Write clear, accessible, practical guide content for international and U.S. audiences
Manage review cycles, incorporate feedback, fact-check content, and verify citations
Coordinate digital, PDF, and print guide production with communications and design teams
Support guide launch and dissemination
Draft articles, briefing materials, event summaries, and web content
Support Space Diplomacy Initiative convenings, study tours, and outbound delegations
Assist with administrative and logistical tasks
Identify prospective funders and contribute to grant and fundraising proposals
Complete organizational administrative responsibilities and other assigned duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
Advanced degree in international affairs, public policy, space policy, law, science and technology policy, or a related field preferred
6–10 years of relevant professional experience in space policy, international affairs, the commercial space sector, or a related field preferred
Demonstrated experience researching and writing substantive published products such as reports, guides, policy papers, or articles
Writing samples required
Established professional network in the U.S. and/or international space community spanning government, industry, academia, and civil society
Experience conducting qualitative research, including stakeholder interviews and case study development
Equivalent combination of training, education, and experience may demonstrate ability to perform essential functions
Working knowledge of the U.S. space ecosystem and policy, legal, and regulatory landscape governing international space cooperation
Knowledge of export controls (ITAR/EAR), licensing, and agencies including NASA, State, Commerce, FAA, FCC, and Department of War/U.S. Space Force
Exceptional writing and editing skills for complex legal, technical, and policy information
Rigorous research skills, literature reviews, source evaluation, synthesis, citations, and bibliographies
Strong interviewing skills and comfort engaging senior officials, executives, and diplomats
Self-directed project management and ability to manage a complex year-long deliverable with minimal oversight
Nonpartisan, objective approach and sound judgment with sensitive information
Strong intercultural communication skills, maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact
Flexibility to support events and occasional travel
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
Familiarity with EndNote, Salesforce, and Canva helpful
Must reside in Maryland, District of Columbia, or Virginia
Resume and cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Partially remote work until further notice
Reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities
Accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law
Equal employment opportunity commitment
11-month temporary employment position