Americas Research Analyst Defense and Military Analysis

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IISS–Americas Research Analyst for Defense and Military Analysis

Location:
Washington, DC
Contract:
Fixed-term
Hours:
Full-time

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security;

promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies – Americas is seeking one research assistant for a 12-month term to support a visiting senior research fellow. The research will focus on the political economy of the global defense industrial base. The start date is flexible with a preference for those available from mid-September.

Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will gain direct exposure to the research, publications and management of a leading international think tank. We are looking for an Analyst with a strong academic background focused on international relations or national-security studies, ideally with an interest in defense production and procurement, military operations, and global security.

Duties will include:

• Conducting research, data-collection, analysis and writing on technical issues, policy developments, and diplomacy related to defense production, arms transfers, and global security.
• Performing rapporteur duties for round tables and workshops.
• Performing operational tasks to assist in convening virtual and in-person events, communications, scheduling and calendar management.
• Performing outreach and developing briefs for both government and nongovernment entities.

Requirements:

Successful candidates will:

• Have good substantive knowledge of current trends in international security and the global economy, particularly national security budgeting, arms transfers, defense industrial developments, and the state of current military conflicts and competitions.
• Be able to write quickly and clearly in English. Proficiency in languages other than English will be valued.
• Be a proactive self-starter and able to work in a small team environment.
• Be proficient in quantitative data collection, management, and analysis. Candidates proficient in statistical software such as Stata or R are preferred.
• Have a background or significant interest in economics (micro, macro) and international political economy, ideally through graduate-level coursework.
• Have demonstrable experience in a related field.

Candidates must have completed a Bachelors degree to be considered for this position, with a preference for those with Masters degrees with a concentration in International Relations, Security Studies, Economics, or related fields.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. The IISS-Americas regrets that it cannot assist with procuring visas or entry permits.

Remuneration:

This is an in-person position paid at $48,000 – $54,000.
Candidates are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical insurance, including optional vision and dental insurance
• 401k retirement contribution
• Life and disability insurance
• 20 days of Paid Time-Off, plus accrued sick days

Application:

Interested candidates can proceed by pressing the blue ‘apply now’ button on the left-hand side of this screen. You should submit two documents:

• A cover letter merged with a writing sample in a single PDF. The writing sample should be up to 2,500 words in length, it can be a stand-alone work or an excerpt focusing on any topic.
• A one-page resume.

The deadline for the application is 7:00 pm Eastern on 27 August 2025.
Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The IISS is an equal-opportunities employer.