Research Assistant – Japan Chair

At CSIS we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide insights and policy solutions to decision-makers. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of more than 240 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security and U.S. foreign policy. CSIS is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Japan Chair. The Japan Chair was established to provide a venue in Washington for the study of U.S.-Japan relations and increasing mutual understanding. As Japan's role in Asian and global affairs continues to grow, the Japan Chair seeks to define a strategic agenda for the U.S.-Japan relationship in a bilateral, regional, and global context. The current research agenda covers a broad range of themes including Japanese domestic politics, U.S.-Japan security and economic ties, and U.S. strategy in Asia. The Research Assistant will be responsible for supporting research, project management, and administrative functions of the Japan Chair.

The salary for this position starts at $55,000 annually and is subject to change based on experience level.

Essential duties and responsibilities
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conducting research on a range of topics as directed by program staff
• Managing research projects under the supervision of program staff
• Coordinating the design, layout, copyediting, and distribution of Japan Chair publications
• Assisting the team in all aspects of event planning, promotion, and execution for public events and for internal (private) meetings with program stakeholders
• Contributing to the grant proposal process
• Other duties as needed

Knowledge, education, and experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Japan Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field
• Ability to conduct policy-oriented research across a range of issue areas including but not necessarily limited to politics, diplomacy, international security, trade, and technology
• Familiarity with issues animating the policy debate in Japan and U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific
• Excellent time management, organization, and attention to detail
• Capacity to multi-task and operate in a challenging environment
• Ability to work independently, in a team, and closely with a range of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Oral and written proficiency in Japanese preferred

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.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé via https://careers.csis.org/opportunities/1217