ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE, CHINA MARITIME STUDIES INSTITUTE
About This Position
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications
U.S. Naval War College. The U.S. Naval War College is a Professional Military Education (PME)institution serving the nation, the Department of War (DoW), and the U.S. Navy. U.S. and selected international graduates earn Master of Arts degrees in National Security & Strategic Studies or Defense &Strategic Studies accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The College educates and develops future leaders through the development of strategic perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, as well as enhancing the capability to advise senior leaders and policy makers. The College also helps to define the future Navy and its roles and missions; supports combat readiness; strengthens global maritime partnerships; and promotes ethics and leadership throughout the force. Weare actively seeking candidates with varied academic and professional backgrounds.
More information on the college can be found at www.usnwc.edu. Strategic and Operational Research Department (SORD). The SORD produces innovative research and analysis for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of War, the U.S. interagency, and the broader national security community.
It also generates new scholarship in security studies and actively participates in the broader academic community. The SORD is home to a number of specialized centers, institutes, and advanced research groups that foster deeper levels of research, analysis, and teaching on subjects of critical interest for the Navy: the China Maritime Studies Institute, the Cyber & Innovation Policy Institute, the Deterrence Institute, the Russia Maritime Studies Institute, and the Halsey and Holloway Advanced Research Programs. The SORD's faculty employ varied and multi-disciplinary approaches to national security issues, generating new knowledge for the Navy and the DoW.
China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI). China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) scholars perform academic research using Chinese-language sources to develop deep, impactful insights into key aspects of China's military maritime development, capabilities, and trends. CMSI publishes highly-specialized-and relevant pioneering research offering pathbreaking knowledge of key China military maritime issues that directly addresses most difficult problem sets facing the U.S.
Navy. Research generates insights previously unavailable at any classification. On this basis, CMSI informs the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, advises U.S. civilian and military leaders, and educates the Joint Force's next generation of warfighters.
CMSI collaborates closely with government research centers, civilian academic institutions, and other stakeholder organizations. Responsibilities. Under SORD Chair and CMSI Director guidance, the professor will conduct research using Chinese-language materials; and write and publish books, articles, quick-turnaround reports, and other studies on PRC maritime developments.
As an indispensable subject-matter expert consistently generating original knowledge that inform understanding and decision making, the Assistant/Associate Professor will provide novel, anticipatory insights unavailable elsewhere and recognized as authoritative by aforementioned stakeholders. Additional responsibilities include: contributing flexibly and collaboratively to CMSI and joint research projects, including classified research; performing translations; managing the CMSI library; helping to organize and host events; professional and stakeholder engagement; and supporting related research, teaching, and wargaming at the College. Qualifications and Competencies.
A master's degree or enrollment in a Ph.D program, preferably in security studies or a related field of regional studies, is required; a research-oriented Ph.D. is beneficial. Mandarin Chinese reading proficiency is required and must be specified in the application. Highly desirable candidates will have significant experience researching PRC security issues; analytical experience, including in developing innovative approaches to research and analysis; an extensive, top caliber publication record focusing on PRC strategy, policy, military, and/or maritime issues; and impact recognized by leading stakeholders.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and capable of obtaining a DoW security clearance; SECRET is required and TOP SECRET preferred. For TOP SECRET clearance, the selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment drug screening test and to random drug testing thereafter. Appointment.
The appointment is governed by provisions of 10 USC 8748 as delegated by the Secretary of the Navy, and the regulations of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management that apply to "Excepted" appointments under Schedule A. For the successful candidate appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (AD-03), the initial term of appointment is expected to be three years in length with provision for renewal dependent on performance.
For appointment at the rank of Associate Professor (AD-05), the initial term of appointment is expected to be two years in length with provision for renewal dependent on performance. This is not a remote work position. Telework eligibility is limited and will be determined by the agency policy in accordance with Presidential Memorandum "Return to In-Person Work" of January 20, 2025, and DoW implementation guidance.
Candidates selected for employment will be required to comply with applicable federal regulations and the policies and procedures of the U.S. Naval War College. The incumbent may be expected to travel on occasion.
Upon selection, career track determination (tenure, non-tenure) will be jointly determined by the candidate and NWC based on their experience and credentials.
Major Duties
Refer to the "Qualifications" section of the Flyer for a summary
Education
A master's degree or enrollment in a Ph.D program, preferably in security studies.
How You Will Be Evaluated
In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages. Illegible/unreadable resumes will not be considered.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. As vacancies occur, the Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer.
You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation. If selected, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation. If after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be found ineligible/not qualified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. All qualification requirements must be met before being considered for any vacancies.
Additional Information
Salary Considerations. Salary is competitive and is accompanied by a generous Federal Civil Service package that includes health insurance, pension and retirement saving plans (with employer matching contributions), paid vacation and sick leave, and other benefits. Rank and salary are commensurate with experience and credentials in accordance with Department of the Navy Faculty Pay Schedule.
Upon selection, career track determination (tenure, non-tenure) will be jointly determined by the candidate and NWC based on their experience and credentials. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants.
Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf. Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
How to Apply
Application Process. Application packages should include a cover letter; 2-page resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references. Supplemental materials such as a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) may also be included.
Applications packages must be submitted to: [email protected] and must reference VA#NWC-26-06. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm (EST) 12 JUN 2026.Interested Applicants must submit resumes/application packages to: Questions about this position should be directed via email to Professor Christopher Sharman, at [email protected]. NOTICE OF VETERANS PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to the excepted service; however, the DoW considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for hiring.
Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume/CV and attach supporting documentation (DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submission. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim 10-Point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documents of the claimed disability (e.g., disability letter from the VA). The SF 15, which lists the types of 10-Point Preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.
Any current or prior military service should be described including assignments, positions held, highest rank attained, and dates of service. Within the DoW, the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. Active-duty members must submit a statement of service with their application.
The U.S. Naval War College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Facsimile applications will not be considered. All resumes/applications must be received no later than the close date of this flyer. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages.
Illegible/unreadable resumes will not be considered. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents, are received, legible, and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant.
Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration.
Required Documents
A complete resume is required. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages. Illegible/unreadable resumes will not be considered.
Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments.
Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week if experience was less than full time (35-40 hours per week), and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience.
TIP: A good way to ensure you include all essential information is to use the Resume Builder in USAJOBS to create your resume. Are you claiming membership in any professional organizations, or possession of a license, certificate or credentials? Check the Conditions of Employment section above to see if any are required.
If you claim membership, license, certification, or credentials, you must submit a copy of said document in your application package. Are you using education as a substitute for some or all of the experience requirement? Is there a basic education requirement for this position?
Check the Education section above to see what is allowed and what is required. Any claims you make in your resume or assessment questionnaire regarding education or degrees MUST be supported by submitting with your application official or unofficial transcripts or a list of courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned issued from your school. While unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial application, an official transcript will ultimately be required if you are selected for the position.
You may submit a copy your degree(s) if specific coursework does not have to be verified. Are you a veteran claiming 5-point veterans' preference or claiming sole survivorship preference?
You must submit a copy of your latest DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (any copy that shows all dates of service, as well as character of service [Honorable, General, etc.] is acceptable) OR a VA letter that shows dates of service or service connected disability AND character of service. If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty service, submit a copy for each period of service. If you were issued a DD-215 to amend aforementioned information on the DD-214 you must submit that too.
If you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the Department of Labor's website: Veterans' Preference Advisor Are you a disabled veteran or claiming 10-point veterans' preference? If you are eligible to claim 10 point veterans preference you must submit a DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty as described above for 5-point preference.
You must also provide the applicable supporting documentation of your disability (e.g. disability letter from the VA) as described on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf. Are you an active duty service member? Active Duty Service Members are required to submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command.
The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Application documents, including supplemental ones, may be shared outside the Human Resources Office. Supplemental documents may contain your SSN, DOB, or personal information of others (e.g., on military orders, marriage certificates).
You may redact this information before submitting; however, if selected, you must provide unredacted originals.