Job Description

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. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 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 cross-section of the U.S. government, the U.S. industrial base, and long-term strategic competition. CIB monitors important developments in the global defense industry, with a particular focus on DOD and federal industrial base challenges; government contracting trends in defense, civilian agencies, and international markets; industry-government collaboration; and international industrial cooperation. Through years of analytical research, CIB has strengthened its capabilities to draw from large databases to present information in a clear, meaningful way. CIB also collaborates with other teams at CSIS on a variety of research topics.

CIB's research efforts focus on a variety of topics, including

• The industrial base
• Manufacturing security and resilience
• International industrial cooperation
• Industrial base trends
• Improving government-industry collaboration

The starting salary range for this position is $57,000-$63,000 based on experience.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

• Assists with research and analysis
• Writes comprehensive reviews of background literature for projects
• Assists with data collection and management
• Note-taking and writing summaries of events and meetings
• Assists with event planning and staffing
• Assists with Intern Hiring and Supervision
• Quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, in particular multilevel/hierarchical models or other social science large dataset research methods
• Managing large datasets, i.e. SQL databases, Azure, and machine learning
• Programming language proficiency for above topics and visualization, R preferred
• Grant and proposal writing

For research assistant/associate positions

• Collaborates with program leadership in developing projects, writing proposals serving as a primary and/or contributing author for program reports
• Monitors trends and developments in program interest areas, and provides updates to program staff
• Assists with publication layout and dissemination
• Supports the execution of program events and activities, including managing event series
• Other administrative tasks as needed

Knowledge, education, and experience

• B.A./B.S. for Research Assistant or Research Associate; Degree in Political Science, International Relation, Economics, or related fields
• 0-2 years experience; Strong knowledge and experience on national and international security issues preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous research and present information clearly and efficiently; Comfort with standard quantitative tool (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 when independent or on a team

Success Factors

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SKILLS

• Familiarity or demonstrated interest in defense or national security research
• Proficiency with databases

Physical requirements and work conditions

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, and 3 to 5 page writing sample as a single PDF at

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

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.

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