Organization: Department of Defense – Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Location: Anchorage, Alaska (with telework eligibility as per agency policy)
Duration: 3-Year Term Appointment
Application Deadline: October 6, 2025
Schedule: Full-time
Language Requirement: English
Compensation: $143,881 – $182,918 annually (including locality pay; additional COLA applied separately)
About the Department
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, operates the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies (TSC) — a hub dedicated to addressing complex defense and security challenges in Arctic environments. The TSC fosters collaboration, education, and policy development to strengthen the U.S. and allied nations’ posture in this strategically vital region.
Role Summary
The Department of Defense is seeking an accomplished Professor (Associate/Full) to join the Ted Stevens Center in Anchorage, Alaska. This position focuses on developing, teaching, and guiding programs related to Arctic defense, sovereignty, deterrence, and joint operational strategies. The professor will contribute to shaping national security understanding and policies in one of the world’s most rapidly evolving strategic theaters.
Primary Responsibilities
Advancing Arctic Security Studies
- Deliver specialized courses and training on joint and combined operations in cold-weather environments.
- Lead scenario development and wargaming exercises focused on Arctic security.
- Conduct research on NATO, U.S., Russian, and Arctic nations’ defense doctrines.
Strategic Education and Collaboration
- Support curriculum design and professional education programs at the Ted Stevens Center.
- Build institutional knowledge and strengthen international security cooperation across Arctic partner nations.
- Engage in strategic dialogues with U.S. and allied defense communities.
Operational and Policy Insights
- Provide expert analysis on Arctic defense policies, sovereignty challenges, and deterrence strategies.
- Assess the impact of geopolitical competition in the Arctic region.
- Apply expertise in Arctic geography, chokepoints (such as the Bering Strait and GIUK gap), and critical infrastructure (including NORAD systems).
Institutional Contributions
- Contribute to organizational change management within the center.
- Strengthen the visibility of the TSC through research, partnerships, and strategic communications.
- Support the Department of Defense’s broader mission in advancing Arctic readiness.
Required Candidate
Required Background
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-05 level in federal service.
- Demonstrated expertise in Arctic joint operations, wargaming, defense policy, and strategic deterrence.
Educational Requirements
- A degree with a major in education or an appropriate subject-matter field; OR
- A combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in education or a related discipline, supplemented by relevant professional expertise.
Preferred Qualifications
- Deep understanding of Arctic geopolitics, allied cooperation, and defense infrastructure.
- Strong record of academic instruction, publications, or professional training contributions.
- Ability to work across defense, academic, and policy communities to advance collective knowledge.
Appointment Details
- Type: Excepted Service – 3-Year Term Appointment
- Grade Level: AD-07
- Promotion Potential: None
- Clearance Required: Secret security clearance
- Travel: Occasional, as mission requires
- Relocation: Not reimbursed
- Leave Benefits: Eligible for annual and sick leave
Application Guidance
Interested candidates must submit a complete application before October 6, 2025. Applicants should ensure that all qualifications and eligibility criteria are met by the closing date.
Applicants should note:
- Substitution of education cannot replace specialized experience at this grade level.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Re-employed annuitant eligibility does not apply for this role.
Additional Information
This position is categorized as Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk. Candidates are not required to undergo a drug test or a financial disclosure.
For official criteria regarding re-employed annuitants, applicants may refer to the DoD policy: Re-Employed Annuitant Criteria.
Contact Information
Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies
8414 McGuire Ave
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK 99506For more information, visit the TSC official careers page.