Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc.
Research Assistant, Defense Analysis Program
Washington, D.C. · On-site · Posted 2026-11-06
JOB SUMMARY
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 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
The CSIS Defense and Security Department seeks a highly motivated candidate for a full-time Research Assistant position who will support two programs ― the Defense Analysis Program and the Arleigh A. Burke Chair ― in a variety of research and administrative tasks.
The Research Assistant will serve as a primary administrative contact for the programs, including: copyediting and publication management; event planning; budget tracking and expense reports; travel planning; and grant reporting. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, possess excellent communication skills, and have exceptional organizational and time management skills.
They will also serve as the primary researcher on publications focusing on contemporary military and strategic issues, including but not limited to the changing character of war, the Russia-Ukraine war, the military balance in the Indo-Pacific, and the impact of advanced technology on the conduct of war. Other research projects relating to diplomatic history may also come up.
Key administrative responsibilities will all program components, including: The starting salary for this position is $57,000.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:
Research:
• Supporting the research agenda by conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative research and analysis on the subjects described above; • Co-authoring (as appropriate) original research and analysis; • Using cutting-edge research methods to support written analysis, building and managing original databases and datasets; • Scholarly research in archives, databases, and other materials. • Quick turn-around projects to support occasional articles and reports, including the writing of brief (1-3 page) analytic, research or bibliographic memoranda.
Administrative:
• Assisting in drafting individual project proposals and/or budgets and liaising with appropriate parties to properly submit research proposals; • Managing event planning, promotion, and execution for public events and for internal (private) meetings and briefings with members of the U.S. government, private sector, foreign government partners, and others; • Assisting with logistics, travel arrangements, expense management, preparatory briefing books, and drafting itineraries for necessary fieldwork and travel; • Periodically working outside of regular business hours to assist with critical ISP events, such as the annual week-long Basin Harbor Workshop on the Changing Character of War; • Additional tasks as requested by Burke Chair and ISP senior adviser.
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:
• Completed B.A. history, political science, international affairs, or related field; • 1-2 years of work experience in a professional office environment (may include internships); • Excellent verbal, written, and research skills; • Experience providing high-quality logistical and administrative support to senior staff; • Familiarity with a typical report publication process, including graphic design, layout, copyediting, and printing processes; • Detail-oriented, well-organized, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously under tight deadlines; • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and work independently with little to no supervision.
Salary Range $57,000 — $65,000 USD
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS
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.
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