Research Assistant or Research Associate - Center Industrial

Research Assistant or Research Associate - Center for the Industrial Base

CSIS Middle East Program

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. CSIS has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of about 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Center for the Industrial Base (CIB) is hiring a junior researcher for a 35‑hour per week, in‑person, paid position. CIB provides analysis on the critical issues at the intersection of the U.S. government, the U.S. industrial base, and long‑term strategic competition. The role involves monitoring developments in the global defense industry, especially in DOD and federal industrial base challenges, government contracting trends, industry‑government collaboration, and international industrial cooperation.

CIB utilizes large databases to present information in a clear, meaningful way and collaborates with other CSIS teams on a variety of research topics.

The starting salary range is $57,000–$63,000 based on experience.

• Assist with research and analysis
• Write comprehensive reviews of background literature for projects
• Copy‑edit papers
• Assist with data collection and management
• Take notes and write summaries of events and meetings
• Assist with event planning and staffing
• Assist with intern hiring and supervision
• Perform quantitative and statistical analysis, including multilevel/hierarchical models or other social science large‑dataset methods
• Manage large datasets, including SQL databases, Azure, and machine learning tools
• Programming language proficiency (R preferred) for the above topics and visualization
• Economic analysis
• Grant and proposal writing

• Collaborate with program leadership in developing projects and writing proposals, serving as a primary and/or contributing author for program reports
• Monitor trends and developments in program interest areas, providing updates to program staff
• Assist with publication layout and dissemination
• Support execution of program events and activities, including managing event series
• Perform 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 experience; strong knowledge of 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. 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 for this position, click the "Apply" button below and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

• Seniority Level: Entry level
• Employment Type:
  
  Contract
• Job Function:
  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries:
  International Affairs