New

Research Assistant

Center for Strategic and International Studies
$57,000-$65,000
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, flexible benefit account, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, tuition assistance, 403(b)
United States, D.C., Washington
1616 Rhode Island Avenue Northwest (Show on map)
Aug 17, 2026
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 Center for the Industrial Base(CIB)is hiring ajuniorresearcherfor 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. CIBmonitorsimportant developments in the global defenseindustry, 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, CIBhas strengthened its capabilities to draw from large databases topresent information in a clear, meaningful way.CIBalso collaborates withotherteams 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 basetrends Improving government-industry collaboration ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Junior researchers at CIBbolster the team with a variety of core research and analytical skills. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following: Assistswith research and analysis Writescomprehensive reviews of background literature for projects Copy-editspapers Assistswith data collection and management Note-taking and writing summaries of events and meetings Assistswith event planning and staffing Assists with Intern Hiring and Supervision quantitative data analysis,statistical analysis,in particular multilevel/hierarchicalmodelsor other social science large dataset research methods managing large datasets,i.e.SQLdatabases, Azure, and machinelearning programming languageproficiencyforabove topics and visualization, R preferred economicanalysis grant and proposal writing For research assistant/associate positions: Collaborates with program leadership indeveloping projects, writing proposalsservingas a primaryand/or contributing authorforprogramreports Monitors trends and developments in program interest areas, and provides updates to program staff Assistswith publication layout and dissemination Supports the execution of program events and activities, including managing event series Otheradministrative tasks as needed KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE B.A./B.S. for Research Assistantor Research Associate;Degree inPolitical Science, International Relation,Economics,or related fields 0-2years experience;Strong knowledge and experience onnationalandinternational security issuespreferred 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 communicationand collaborationskills, both when independentoron a team SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SKILLS Familiarity ordemonstratedinterest in defenseor national securityresearch Proficiencywith databases OUR BENEFITS Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Life insurance Short-term and long-term disability 403(b) for retirement planning Tuition Assistance Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account 12 Paid Holidays Sick Leave Vacation leave 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.