Research Assistant or Research Associate - Center Industrial

Job Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. It has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of about 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts addressing the changing dynamics of international security worldwide.

The Center for the Industrial Base (CIB) is hiring a junior researcher for a 35-hour per week, in-person, paid position. CIB analyzes the cross-section of the U.S. government, the U.S. industrial base, and long-term strategic competition, monitoring developments in the global defense industry with a focus on DOD and federal industrial base challenges; government contracting trends in defense, civilian agencies, and international markets;

industry-government collaboration; and international industrial cooperation. CIB collaborates with other CSIS teams on various research topics.

Note: The starting salary range for this position is $57,000-$63,000 based on experience.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following. Junior researchers at CIB bolster the team with a variety of core research and analytical skills.

• Assists with research and analysis
• Writes comprehensive reviews of background literature for projects
• Copy-edits papers
• Assists with data collection and management
• Note-taking and writing summaries of events and meetings
• Assists with event planning and staffing
• Assists with intern hiring and supervision
• Quantitative data analysis and statistical analysis, including multilevel/hierarchical models or other social science large dataset methods
• Managing large datasets, e.g., SQL databases, Azure, and machine learning
• Programming language proficiency related to above topics and visualization; R preferred
• Economic analysis
• Grant and proposal writing

For research assistant/associate positions, additional responsibilities include:

• Collaborates with program leadership in developing projects and writing proposals, serving as a primary and/or contributing author for program reports
• Monitors trends and developments in program interest areas and provides updates to program staff
• Assists with publication layout and dissemination
• Supports the execution of program events and activities, including managing event series
• Other administrative tasks as needed

• B.A./B.S. for Research Assistant or Research Associate; degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, or related fields
• 0-2 years of experience; strong knowledge and experience on national and international security issues preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and present information clearly and efficiently; comfort with standard quantitative tools (e.g., Excel) and graphing
• Superior writing and analytical skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, both independently and on a team

• Familiarity or demonstrated interest in defense or national security research
• Proficiency with databases

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. CSIS is an equal opportunity employer. Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and 3 to 5 page writing sample as a single PDF at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). To submit an application, click the Apply button to be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change. We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.