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

Overview

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to join our Foreign and Defense Policy department, contributing to the Institute’s work on national security, defense strategy, and great-power competition by supporting Senior Fellow Hal Brands and Fellow Kyle Balzer. The anticipated start date for this position is February 2026.

• 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, including Government Relations, Academic Programs, Development, and Media Relations.
• 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.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• A bachelor’s degree in history, international relations, political science, public policy, or a related field is required.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Well-rounded internship experience and a strong history background are preferred; there is no language requirement.
• An honors thesis on a related topic or other long-form research experience is a plus.
• Candidates should have strong writing and editing skills, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Candidates should have a 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 of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees;

and a 403b retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000 - $54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.