Research Assistant / Associate, Transatlantic Security Program

Position description

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire a Research Assistant/Associate (RA) to support its Transatlantic Security Program (TSP). Candidates with an interest in Europe, European Security, Transatlantic relations, and/or Russia and who possess excellent research, writing, and project management skills are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is a two-year appointment and will support the TSP Program Director to deliver a wide-range of program activities.

Candidates should be self-starters comfortable working as part of a small team in a fluid work environment. The RA will have the opportunity to lead and/or contribute to research projects on high-impact national security issues, organize events, and engage with senior U.S. and European national security leaders. An ability to drive research, including executing the associated administrative tasks, and strong attention to detail is critical. The RA will be expected to perform a variety of tasks outlined below. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities will vary over time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

• Identify the most pressing issues, trends, and questions related to Europe, European security, and/or Russia that US policymakers must prepare for and address.
• Design, lead, and/or execute in-depth research projects to address the most pressing transatlantic, European security, and/or Russia-related national security issues.
• Conduct research and draft all or parts of high-quality reports, policy analyses, journal articles, op-eds, commentaries, and other written products related to core program themes.
• Conduct background research and literature reviews to support program projects.
• Collaborate with CNAS colleagues in the Transatlantic Security Program and other CNAS programs.

PROGRAM OUTREACH

• Develop a network of government officials, members of Congress, and congressional staff in the United States and Europe to stay abreast of cutting-edge issues, engage on research and analysis related to the program’s mission, and contribute to the program’s mission of encouraging greater transatlantic cooperation.
• Build a profile as a thought leader on key program issues, including:
  • Participate on public panels;
  • Write op-eds;
  • Conduct media interviews.

EVENT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

• Help lead and manage event series, including The Transatlantic Forum on Russia, Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues, private roundtables, and public events.
• Working with the TSP intern, design, plan, and execute events, including:
  • Formulate event agendas, including themes and speakers.
  • Generate invitation lists and manage RSVPs.
  • Draft and send personalized invitations and external-facing event descriptions.
  • Oversee event logistics, such as venues, catering, etc., in conjunction with Center staff.
  • Arrange travel and accommodations.

• Create meeting agendas, take notes, and track associated tasks.
• Help manage the production of the Brussels Sprouts podcast.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

• Develop proposals, grant applications, and project budgets in conjunction with Center staff.
• Contribute to CNAS papers and reports for substance, style, and layout, including citations.
• Compile reporting requirements for funders in conjunction with Center staff.
• Help promote research among target audiences.
• Develop and manage project timelines, tasks, and budgets.
• Administer projects, including scheduling meetings and compiling expense reports.
• Draft interim and final grant narrative reports.

INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in interviews and other personnel processes.
• Attend internal meetings and represent CNAS at outside events.
• Mentor colleagues.
• Assist in the TSP intern hiring process and manage TSP interns.
• Assist in networking, messaging, and outreach about CNAS, TSP, and its products.
• Attend and staff CNAS events and activities as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Ability to work full-time in-person from CNAS’s Washington, D.C. office.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fluid environment and multitask.
• Excellent organizational, logistical, and administrative skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proven track record researching and writing on relevant topics.
• Willingness to support the Transatlantic Security Program through administrative work.
• Legal right to work in the United States.

Especially competitive applicants will have:

• Master’s degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., Europe or Eurasia affairs, strategic studies, security studies, political science, international relations).
• Foreign language skills in relevant geographic areas (primarily Europe or Russia).
• Familiarity with and passion for the issues the Transatlantic Security Program addresses, including transatlantic security policy, NATO, European security and defense, Russia, China, emerging technologies, and/or US foreign and security policy. This can be demonstrated either through academic, professional, or personal experience.
• At least two years of work experience in a position with transferable skills (required for Research Associate applicants).
• Project, event, and trip planning and management experience/skills.

ABOUT THE TRANSATLANTIC SECURITY PROGRAM

The mission of the Transatlantic Security Program (TSP) is to strengthen transatlantic relations and help decision makers understand, anticipate, and respond to challenges in Europe and Russia. Key among these challenges are the rise of China, an increasingly assertive Russia, threats to democracy, and other changes in Europe’s security landscape that will require NATO to adapt. TSP addresses these issues by working closely with our network of current and former U.S. and European government officials, private sector partners, and academic experts to translate cutting-edge research into policy solutions. We foster high-level U.S.-European dialogue, convene seminars and public forums, and engage with media and citizens to shape the context in which policies are made.

Application instructions

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