Research Assistant, Defense Analysis Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.•Washington, DC

2d•$57,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Defense and Security Department seeks a full-time Research Assistant to support the Defense Analysis Program and the Arleigh A. Burke Chair with research and administrative work. The role serves as a primary administrative contact for the programs, handling publication support, event planning, budget and expense tracking, travel planning, and grant reporting. It also conducts and supports research on contemporary military and strategic issues, including the changing character of war, the Russia-Ukraine war, the military balance in the Indo-Pacific, and the effects of advanced technology on warfare. Other projects may address diplomatic history. The position conducts qualitative and quantitative research, contributes to original research and analysis, builds and manages databases and datasets, and conducts archival and other scholarly research. It also supports proposals and budgets, plans and executes events and meetings, coordinates travel and expenses, prepares briefing books and itineraries, and may work outside regular business hours for critical events.

Requirements

Completed bachelor's degree in history, political science, international affairs, or a related field.
One to two years of work experience in a professional office environment; internships may count.
Excellent verbal, written, and research skills.
Experience providing high-quality logistical and administrative support to senior staff.
Familiarity with report publication processes, including graphic design, layout, copyediting, and printing.
Detail-oriented and well-organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities under tight deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently with little to no supervision.

Responsibilities

Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research and analysis on contemporary military and strategic issues.
Co-author original research and analysis as appropriate.
Use research methods to support written analysis and build and manage original databases and datasets.
Conduct scholarly research in archives, databases, and other materials.
Complete quick-turnaround research projects and write brief analytic, research, or bibliographic memoranda.
Provide administrative support for the programs, including copyediting and publication management, budget tracking, expense reports, travel planning, and grant reporting.
Assist in drafting project proposals and budgets and liaise with relevant parties to submit research proposals.
Plan, promote, and execute public events and internal meetings and briefings.
Coordinate logistics, travel arrangements, expense management, preparatory briefing books, and itineraries for fieldwork and travel.
Periodically work outside regular business hours to support critical events, including the annual week-long Basin Harbor Workshop on the Changing Character of War.
Perform additional tasks as requested by the Burke Chair and ISP senior adviser.