Research Assistant

The Center for the Industrial Base (CIB) is hiring a junior researcher for 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. CIB monitors important developments in the global defense industry, 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, CIB has strengthened its capabilities to draw from large databases to present information in a clear, meaningful way. CIB also collaborates with other teams 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 base trends  

• Improving government-industry collaboration  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Junior researchers at CIB bolster the team with a variety of core research and analytical skills. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Assists with research and analysis   

• Writes comprehensive reviews of background literature for projects   

• Copy-edits papers  

• Assists with data collection and management  

• Note-taking and writing summaries of events and meetings  

• Assists with event planning and staffing 

• Assists with Intern Hiring and Supervision 

• quantitative data analysis, statistical analysis, in particular multilevel/hierarchical models or other social science large dataset research methods 

• managing large datasets, i.e. SQL databases, Azure, and machine learning  

• programming language proficiency for above topics and visualization, R preferred 

• economic analysis 

• grant and proposal writing  

For research assistant/associate positions: 

• Collaborates with program leadership in developing projects, writing proposals serving as a primary and/or contributing author for program reports 

• Monitors trends and developments in program interest areas, and provides updates to program staff 

• Assists with publication layout and dissemination 

• Supports the execution of program events and activities, including managing event series 

• Other administrative tasks as needed 

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• B.A./B.S. for Research Assistant or Research Associate; Degree in Political Science, International Relation, Economics, or related fields 

• 0-2 years experience; Strong knowledge and experience on national and international security issues preferred 

• 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 communication and collaboration skills, both when independent or on a team 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SKILLS   

• Familiarity or demonstrated interest in defense or national security research  

• Proficiency with 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