Energy Research SME

Leidos is hiring a part time Energy Research Consultant to support the Naval Post Graduate School Energy Academic Group (EAG) in conducting research examining the intersection of hybrid threats, maligning foreign influence, and their implications for energy security. This role places you at the nexus of multifaceted research on hybrid threats, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, energy security, critical infrastructure protection, and information strategy. As a Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will support initiatives that analyze how malign foreign influence and hybrid threats compromise national and international energy systems. Your work will influence strategic approaches to safeguarding critical infrastructures and inform policy and security decisions. This role is tailor-made for individuals who are passionate about using their expertise to advance national security and energy resilience. By supporting evidence-based research and strategic communications, you will guide stakeholders in understanding and mitigating complex threats of the modern world.

Primary Responsibilities:

This role is designed for professionals who excel at independent research and collaborative coordination, offering a unique opportunity to contribute directly to national security and strategic Naval Energy defense initiatives through research.

Deep-Dive Analysis: Conduct autonomous, in-depth research on the evolution of hybrid threat campaigns, focusing on the roles of disinformation and misinformation by both state and non-state actors.

Technology Assessments: Stay abreast of emerging information technologies (e.g., AI, deepfakes, bots, autonomous systems) that are reshaping the landscape of hybrid threats and evaluating their implications.

Case Study Evaluations: Examine historical and current case studies—including foreign malign influence operations (such as those attributed to Russia in Ukraine or China in Taiwan)—to derive indicators of threat escalation and resilience.

Regional Comparative Studies: Independently analyze and compare hybrid influence campaigns across key regions (e.g., Baltic States, Indo-Pacific), highlighting distinct geopolitical outcomes and strategic lessons.

Coordination and Collaboration

Your approach to coordination and collaboration ensures that while you work independently on complex research, your outputs are enhanced by continuous SME interaction, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving.

Interdisciplinary Integration: Act as a central point of contact for aligning independent research efforts with broader team objectives, ensuring that your findings integrate seamlessly with ongoing projects.

Stakeholder Engagement: Leverage professional networks by collaborating with subject matter experts, policymakers, and operational stakeholders to cross-validate research insights and inform integrated deterrence strategies.

Workflow Synchronization: Coordinate with internal teams to share research outcomes, align priorities, and streamline the development of technical reports, original articles, and presentations.

Best Practices Dissemination: Identify and circulate lessons learned and effective responses from counter-FMI campaigns across different geographic contexts, fostering a culture of continuous strategic improvement.

Deliverables and Reporting

Technical Documentation: Develop and refine draft inputs for comprehensive technical reports and articles that detail key findings, emerging trends, and operational recommendations in the hybrid threat domain.

Presentation Development: Prepare clear, informative presentations that convey research insights and strategic recommendations to internal teams, warfighters, and external stakeholders.

Journal and Publication Support: Support the editing and coordination of special edition journals or professional publications, ensuring high-quality content on topics related to hybrid threats and information strategy.

Requirements:

Candidates must be US Citizens.

Master’s degree and 4+ years of prior relevant experience or PhD and 1 year experience.

Desired: Resume highlighting recent publications, interviews, and scholarly research.

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.