Position description
The Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control is seeking a Research Associate to investigate procurement networks and sanctions evasion linked to Iranian weapons proliferation. We are looking for a talented researcher and strong writer with 2-4 years of relevant education or research experience and proficiency in Arabic and/or Persian.
The position offers an excellent opportunity to develop open-source research skills while investigating some of the world’s foremost proliferation challenges. You will join a small collaborative team that values careful research, analytical curiosity, humor, and a commitment to the organization’s mission.
What you’ll do: The Research Associate will contribute to the Wisconsin Project’s Iran Watch website, Risk Report database, and other research publications, with a focus on proliferation and illicit procurement networks involving Iran and the Middle East.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring developments in proliferation, export controls, and sanctions, particularly those involving Iran and the Middle East.
- Conducting in-depth, open-source investigations into companies, individuals, and networks involved in illicit procurement and sanctions evasion.
- Writing detailed entity profiles, analytical reports, case studies, and other publications that explain procurement networks, proliferation risks, and sanctions evasion methods.
- Investigating connections among entities and creating network maps to illustrate corporate relationships and procurement activities.
- Developing and maintaining research resources on the Iran Watch website, including the Iran Watch library of primary source documents.
- Contributing to Iran Watch publications and supporting related outreach, including preparing and sending a monthly newsletter, social media posts, and briefings.
- Supporting the Wisconsin Project’s international outreach and training activities, including programs conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of State.
Keys to success: A strong academic background (bachelor’s degree required, master’s preferred) and 2-4 years of relevant education or research experience, preferably in nonproliferation, sanctions, export controls, or a related field. Reading proficiency in Arabic and/or Persian sufficient to conduct research using original-language sources is preferred.
Core qualifications include:
- Rigor in research and writing: Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth, open-source research, evaluate source reliability, identify connections across diverse sources, and produce well-supported findings. A resourceful approach to pursuing leads and sound judgment about what the evidence supports.
- Clear communicator and good listener: Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely and explain complex information for diverse audiences. Comfortable receiving and incorporating feedback throughout the research and writing process.
- Flexibility and initiative: Ability to manage multiple research assignments and adapt to evolving priorities in a small nonprofit organization. Interest and aptitude for learning new things.
- Technical aptitude: Comfortable working with research databases, online investigative tools, and large volumes of information. Experience with corporate and trade databases, network analysis or visualization tools, and AI-assisted research is an advantage.
- Subject matter knowledge: Familiarity with proliferation, sanctions, or export controls. Knowledge of Iran’s nuclear and military programs, regional procurement networks, or sanctions evasion practices is particularly valuable.
Who we are: The Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C. that conducts research and public education aimed at preventing strategic trade from contributing to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Our principal research product, the Risk Report, is a subscription database used by governments and companies in more than 40 countries to support strategic trade controls, sanctions implementation, and proliferation risk analysis. The Wisconsin Project also publishes Iran Watch, a public website devoted to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, proliferation-related procurement, and international sanctions and diplomacy.
Compensation: This is a full-time hybrid position in Washington, D.C. The annual salary range is $55,000 – $75,000 depending on experience, with generous benefits (including healthcare).
Application instructions
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