Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; Defense Strategy and -Power Competition

Research Assistant:
Foreign and Defense Policy;
Defense Strategy and Great-Power Competition

Full-time, in-person Research Assistant in the Foreign and Defense Policy department at the American Enterprise Institute. The anticipated start date for this position is February 2026.

The role supports Senior Fellow Hal Brands and Fellow Kyle Balzer in national security, defense strategy, and great‑power competition research. Responsibilities include primary- and secondary-source investigations, organizing round tables, conferences and public events, overseeing long-term projects, and providing administrative support.

• Provide research assistance to scholars, including primary- and secondary-source research, memo drafting, and data collection.
• Support research for a weekly blog focused on national security and defense issues.
• Assist with and coordinate short-term and major long-term research projects.
• Coordinate various activities and ensure proper communication with AEI departments.
• Manage logistics and administrative tasks, including tracking expenses, planning and staffing public-facing events, and organizing private meetings and round tables.
• Manage long-term scholarly projects by drafting proposals and mapping timelines and regular progress reports for AEI management.

• Regularly stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. Close‑up vision for computer work required.
• Lift up to 30 pounds.
• Work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in history, international relations, political science, public policy, or related field.
• 0–2 years of applicable full‑time work experience; internship experience strongly preferred.
• Well‑rounded internship experience and strong history background, no language requirement.
• Honors thesis or other long‑form research experience a plus.
• Strong writing, editing, organization, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Background and interest in US national security, defense policy, and great‑power competition.

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays), 12 days of paid sick leave, paid family leave, medical and dental coverage, health savings account, dependent care FSA, tuition assistance up to $5 200, life and disability insurance at no cost, & 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.

Salary range: $50,000 – $54,000. Compensation determined by scope, experience, skills, and market considerations.

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts
• 500‑word writing sample