Academic Position Descriptions

PROFESSIONAL FACULTY [Back to Top]

Instructor: An Instructor must have a master's degree from a regionally accredited Institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field. The rank of Instructor should be granted only on a temporary basis.

Assistant Professor: An Assistant Professor must have a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field; a terminal degree is highly preferred. An Assistant Professor has at least one year of full-time teaching experience at a regionally accredited college or university, or the instructional equivalent. During the initial appointment, he or she is expected to show growth as a scholar and in performance of his or her teaching, research, or other duties, as appropriate. Assistant Professors must obtain an earned doctoral degree or other appropriate terminal degree within the first six years of appointment.

Associate Professor: An Associate Professor has earned a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field. An Associate Professor will have completed six to eight years of academic experience at a lower academic rank. An Associate Professor whose primary duty is teaching will have a record of excellence and will continue to demonstrate proficiency, currency, and relevance. An Associate Professor whose primary duty is research will have already produced a significant body of original scholarly research and publication.

Professor: The title of Professor signifies a scholar of stature, with a substantial body of academic achievement and experience in his or her field. The title should be reserved for faculty who have demonstrated superior performance and productivity, and have potential for making future superior contributions to the organizationµ and the wider academic community. As a rank given upon hiring, it will be used sparingly and reserved for faculty members who have already attained substantial academic achievement in their careers and who show promise of continuing that high level of performance. The rank of Professor denotes a faculty member who is capable of making contributions across the University outside of his or her normal duties; a mentor and example to other faculty; and a visible and engaged member of his or her respective scholarly or professional community, with evidence of a continued high rate of productivity in his or her respective field.

Distinguished Professor: Distinguished Professor is a title awarded in recognition that a senior academic from NDU or other academic institution has excelled to a level of exemplary and sustained pre-eminence in teaching, scholarship, and engagement. This designation requires a University board process and criteria as determined by the Provost and with senior-level board representation normally by Deans of Faculty and Academic Programs.

Professor of Practice: A Professor of Practice is an outstanding practitioner in Defense, government, or the private sector with an outstanding record of at least ten years of public service, professional achievements, specialized certifications, and/or regional, national, or international prominence. He or she must have earned a master's degree, and may or may not have an earned terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent). The Professor of Practice must have valuable expertise, knowledge, outreach, and contributions that add value to critical components of the NDU curriculum.

Distinguished Professor of Practice: A Distinguished Professor of Practice is an individual with distinctive contributions to the nation (for example: former ambassadors, retired general and flag officers, or senior government officials). He or she may, or may not, meet the traditional academic requirements but is deserving of this title because of outstanding professional accomplishments. This designation requires a University board process and criteria as determined by the Provost and with senior level board representation nominally by Component Deans.

Visiting and Adjunct Faculty: NDU may employ special faculty members from Instructor through Professor/Professor of Practice who are experts in their fields. NDU may employ these special faculty members in either a full-time, part-time, or intermittent capacity for a specified period of time with or without competition through appropriate personnel or other administrative procedures.

Visiting Faculty: Visiting faculty may be employed for up to 18-month terms without competition, and may be considered for one additional term (not to exceed 36 months). The first 18 months of service are in a probationary status.Adjunct Faculty Members: Adjunct faculty are part-time (fewer than 64 hours per pay period) faculty members who may be employed by components without competition.

 

LIBRARY FACULTY [Back to Top]

Academic Specialist (Librarian I): An Academic Specialist (Librarian I) possesses an American Library Association (ALA) accredited master's degree in library or information science and has at least one year of relevant experience in a library setting or demonstrated potential in librarianship, assessment, engagement, and service. He or she must show aptitude in professional development and collaboration across institutional boundaries. During the initial three-year appointment, he or she is expected to show growth as a librarian and make significant contributions to the Library and NDU.

Academic Specialist (Librarian II): An Academic Specialist (Librarian II) possesses an American Library Association (ALA) accredited master's degree in library or information science and has two ye s of relevant experience in a library setting or documented potential in librarianship, assessment, engagement, and service. He or she must show consistent commitment to the advancement of professionalism, promoting activities and behavior that builds trust and confidence among coworkers, students, staff, and faculty.

Academic Specialist (Librarian III): An Academic Specialist (Librarian III) possesses an American Library Association (ALA) accredited master's degree in library or information science and has five years of relevant experience in a library setting or documented success in librarianship, assessment, engagement, and service. An Academic Specialist (Librarian III) has significant expertise in one or more library service areas.

Team Lead/Academic Specialist (Librarian IV): A Team Lead/Academic Specialist (Librarian IV) possesses an American Library Association (ALA) accredited master's degree in library or information science and has six years of relevant experience in a library setting with progressive leadership responsibility in the areas of librarianship, assessment, engagement, and service. He or she manages a core library function by leading a cross-functional team of library staff. Team Lead Librarians do not have supervisory role of the team members.

Division Chief/Academic Specialist (Librarian V): A Division Chief possesses an American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master's degree in library or information science and has ten years of relevant experience with five years in a supervisory capacity in a library setting. He or she must have a track record of progressive leadership achievement and success in the areas of librarianship, assessment, engagement, and service. A Division Chief supervises a library division and manages library programs and staff.

 

WARGAMING FACULTY [Back to Top]

Wargaming Assistant: A Wargaming Assistant possesses a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field. Typically, he or she will have only limited relevant professional expertise or experience as it relates to wargaming, modeling and simulation, or strategic- and operational-level exercises. A demonstrated potential in teaching, research, engagement, service, or professional contributions or impact is preferred. The rank of Wargaming Assistant should only be granted on a temporary basis.

Assistant Wargaming Fellow: An Assistant Wargaming Fellow possesses a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field, and has at least three years of relevant personal expertise or experience in wargaming, modeling and simulation, or strategic- and operational-level exercises. In general, an Assistant Wargaming Fellow is also the primary liaisons to the teaching faculty within an assigned college; he or she will also likely be leading small game design teams at this level. Therefore, a demonstrated potential for higher order methodological understanding, teaching, research, engagement, service, or professional contributions to the field is required.

Wargaming Fellow: A Wargaming Fellow possesses a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field, has at least seven years of relevant professional expertise or experience in wargaming, modeling and simulation, strategic- and operational-level exercises, as well as a demonstrated record of successful engagement with the teaching faculty and other component leadership. In general, the Wargaming Fellow is responsible for team management on either of NDU's primary campuses.

Senior Wargaming Fellow: A Senior Wargaming Fellow either possesses a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field and has at least 10 years of relevant professional expertise in wargaming or has a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or field, and has at least 15 years of relevant professional expertise or experience in wargaming, modeling and simulation, and strategic- and operational-level exercises. A Senior Wargaming Fellow will also have demonstrated excellence in wargame design, teaching, research, engagement, and service. In general, the Senior Wargaming Fellow is a leader within the program with significant oversight of personnel (military and civilian), contractor personnel, and budgetary authority. He or she is the leading authority (-ies) for the University in all things related to wargaming and simulation.

 

RESEARCH FACULTY [Back to Top]

Research Assistant: A Research Assistant is an entry-level position to support the work of more senior researchers. A research Assistant possesses a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institute of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, and demonstrates an ability to conduct shared and/or independent research and writing.

Assistant Research Fellow: An Assistant Research Fellow possesses a master's degree (at a minimum) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, has at least two years of relevant, professional experience, and a record of quality, shared analytic research, writing, and engagement. He or she must demonstrate aptitude in collaboration across institutional boundaries. During the initial appointment, he or she is expected to show growth as a scholar and in performance of his or her research and teaching.

Research Fellow: A Research Fellow possesses a doctorate or other terminal degree in an appropriate discipline or field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent). A terminal degree may be waived if the applicant has held senior positions (GS-15 or 06 equivalent) in government or the private sector for a period of at least 10 years as a leading practitioner with proven analytic skills. A Research Fellow also possesses 5 to 7 years of professional, relevant experience in an appropriate discipline or field related to national security studies and a demonstrated, sustained record of excellence in shared and independent analytic research, writing, and engagement skills.

Senior Research Fellow: A Senior Research Fellow possesses a doctorate or other terminal degree in an appropriate discipline or field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) and has 10 to 12 years of professional experience in an appropriate discipline or field. A terminal degree may be waived if the applicant has held senior positions (GS-15/O-6 equivalent and above) in government or the private sector for a period of at least 10 years as a leading practitioner with proven analytic skills. A Senior Research Fellow contributes to the NDU mission through both research and teaching and is expected to be a mentor to junior researchers. He or she should be fully capable of independent analyses and teaching requiring minimal oversight. A Senior Research Fellow is expected to be a thought leader in his or her discipline and an engaged member of his or her scholarly community. At this rank, the Senior Research Fellow's work will begin to be recognized by executive-level DOD leadership.

Distinguished Research Fellow: Distinguished Research Fellow is a title awarded in recognition that an individual possesses a doctorate or other terminal degree in an appropriate discipline or field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) and has at least 20 years of accomplishments with a substantive body of work as a highly productive, nationally or internationally known scholar or practitioner. The title signifies a scholar who is regarded as a thought leader in his or her field, and his or her work should be predominantly independent and routinely recognized by executive-level DOD leadership. A Distinguished Research Fellow will also have a substantive record of teaching excellence at NDU. This designation requires a University board process and criteria as determined by the Provost and with senior-level board representation normally by Component Deans.

Special Research Faculty: NDU may employ Special Research Fellows as faculty members in either a full-time, part-time, or intermittent capacity for a specified period of time with or without competition through appropriate personnel or other administrative procedures. Special Research Fellows are not compensated and must be sponsored by a Senior Research Fellow and approved by the Director of Research and Strategic Support. Special Research Fellow appointments are reviewed annually to be mutually beneficial to NDU and the fellow.

 

POLICY FACULTY [Back to Top]

Policy Assistant: A Policy Assistant is an entry-level position to support the work of more senior fellows. A Policy Assistant possesses a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institute of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, and demonstrates an ability to conduct shared and/or independent analysis, writing, oral presentation, and development of experiential learning activities.

Assistant Policy Fellow: An Assistant Policy Fellow possesses a master's degree (at a minimum) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline and has at least two years of relevant, professional experience; a record of quality, shared analysis, writing, oral presentation, and development of experiential learning activities; and shows aptitude in collaboration across institutional boundaries. During the initial appointment, he or she is expected to show growth as an analyst and in performance of assigned educational tasks.

Policy Fellow: A Policy Fellow possesses a master's degree (at a minimum) in an appropriate discipline or field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent); has 5 to 7 years of professional, relevant experience in an appropriate discipline or field related to national security studies; demonstrates a sustained record of excellence in analysis, writing, oral presentation, and development and facilitation of experiential learning activities; and exhibits the proven ability to collaborate across institutional boundaries.

Senior Policy Fellow: A Senior Policy Fellow possesses a master's degree (a doctorate or other terminal degree is preferred) in an appropriate discipline or field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) and IO to 12 years of professional experience in an appropriate discipline or field. An outside applicant has held a senior position (GS-15/O-6 equivalent and above) in government or the private sector for a period of at least 10 years as a leading practitioner with proven analytic skills. A Senior Policy Fellow contributes to the NDU mission through both analysis and education and is expected to be a mentor to junior analysts. He or she should be fully capable of independent analysis and teaching requiring minimal oversight. He or she is expected to be a thought leader in an area of expertise and an engaged member of the associated policy, strategy, or planning community. At this rank, the Senior Policy Fellow's work will begin to be recognized by executive-level DOD leadership.

Distinguished Policy Fellow: Distinguished Policy Fellow is a title awarded in recognition that an individual has at least 20 years of accomplishments with a substantive body of work as a highly productive, nationally or internationally known practitioner. Distinguished Policy Fellow signifies someone regarded as a thought leader in an area of expertise. The work should be predominantly independent and routinely recognized by executive-level DOD leadership. A Distinguished Policy Fellow will also have a substantive record of educational excellence at NDU. This designation requires a University board process and criteria as determined by the Provost and with senior-level board representation normally by Component Deans.

 

ACADEMIC PROGRAM SUPPORT FACULTY [Back to Top]

Institutional Research Assistant: An Institutional Research Assistant is an entry­ level position that supports the work of more senior specialists. An Assistant possesses a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institute of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, and demonstrates an ability to use educational learning and assessment technologies and conduct shared and/or independent research and writing.

Institutional Research Specialist: An Institutional Research Specialist possesses a master's degree (a doctorate or other terminal degree is preferred) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, a solid foundation in education theory and assessment practices, at least three years of relevant experience, and a record of quality analytic research, writing, and engagement. The Institutional Research Specialist is involved with assessment planning and implementation, in addition to summarizing highly complex statistical data to assist with strategic decision­ making. During the initial three-year appointment, he or she is expected to show growth as a researcher and make significant contributions to the component/NDU. At this point, the Institutional Research Specialist should be fully capable of independent analyses and writing, requiring minimal oversight. The Specialist is expected to be a mentor to Institutional Research Assistants.

Institutional Research Coordinator: An Institutional Research Coordinator possesses a master's degree (doctorate or other terminal degree is strongly preferred) in an appropriate discipline or field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or international equivalent) and is the lead for institutional research and assessment activities at the component or NDU level, including supervision of division staff. An Institutional Research Coordinator has significant professional experience in the field, demonstrated superior performance and productivity, documented supervisory skills (or strong aptitude for leading the division and staff), and potential for making future contributions to the organization. The Coordinator routinely provides expertise and embraces innovative techniques. The Institutional Research Coordinator is expected to be a thought leader in his or her discipline and an engaged member of the wider academic community, to include collaboration across NDU's Institutional Research offices and with the larger JPME community of Institutional Researchers.