Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; Asia Economics and Security

Overview

AEI is seeking a full-time, in-person research assistant to work with two China studies senior fellows, Derek Scissors and Dan Blumenthal.
The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

The position’s major responsibilities include conducting research and providing support on issues related to Chinese corporations and Chinese foreign policy. Other major topics are US-China competition, Chinese macroeconomics, Indo-Pacific security and economic relations, and US strategy in the Indo-Pacific. Administrative duties include scheduling and organizing events. Other duties include overseeing long-term projects and mentoring department interns.

This position requires excellent writing, communication, research, and organizational skills, particularly a strong ability to read and research in Mandarin Chinese
. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in Asian studies and should be academically curious and able to manage multiple competing priorities at once.

Qualified applicants should submit an online application complete with a resume, a cover letter, transcripts, and a 500-word writing sample on a topic related to the position.

• Research, edit, and assist in publishing policy reports about economics, international trade, authoritarian governance, security, and politics in the Indo-Pacific.
• Help update the China Global Investment Tracker, including through data collection, in-depth research in Chinese, fact-checking, editing, and data visualization.
• Help plan, organize, and coordinate major public and private conferences and private meetings by inviting speakers, drafting public invitation texts, and coordinating all logistics with AEI’s conferences and media affairs teams.
• Coordinate program activities and administrative details by managing schedules; setting up meetings with various groups in Washington, DC, and with foreign contacts; and planning and executing all travel logistics.
• Manage long‑term projects by drafting proposals, mapping timelines, meeting project deadlines, coordinating with outside members of the project teams, organizing small working groups, editing longer publications, reporting on project progress to the Development department, and executing large conferences at the projects’ culmination.
• Comply with the Foreign and Defense Policy department’s reporting guidelines and participate in and assist with department events and meetings.
• Mentor Asia economics and security interns.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is expected to regularly 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 East Asian studies, international relations, political science, history, public policy, or a related field is required.
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full‑time work experience is preferred; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Working proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is required.
• Previous economics coursework is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Excellent research, writing, editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required.
• A background in the Chinese economy, political economy, politics, or security is preferred.

BenefitsAEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid…