Institute for the Study of War · 1 day ago
Defense of Europe Project Researcher
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expThe Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is seeking a Researcher on the Defense of Europe Project. The role involves conducting open-source analysis to inform NATO efforts against Russian aggression, providing insights to policymakers through reports and briefings.
Non ProfitAssociation
Responsibilities
Provide expert analysis on current and potential future Russian and NATO military capabilities by collecting and synthesizing open-source information on political and security developments
Work closely with ISW’s Russia Team to synthesize ISW’s ongoing analysis of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with the Defense of Europe Project’s efforts to forecast the likely character of a future Russian threat to NATO
Publish findings through timely written and graphical reports and oral briefings
Provide synthetic research support to long-term research projects in collaboration with other team members and programs as required
Design and support planning exercises and wargames to create modular scenarios of potential Russian aggression against a NATO member state
Coach, mentor, and manage research interns and collaborate with other team members
Gain proficiency in data-driven analytic software platforms to support investigations into complex research questions
Validate compliance with proper data-handling and storage guidelines
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree in a field of study related to the ISW's core mission and research agenda. A master's degree is preferred
2-5 years of experience conducting open-source research and policy analysis
A strong understanding of modern conventional war; the Russian military; and NATO member state militaries, either in an operational context or through research and coursework. A sophisticated understanding of military institutions and military history – particularly 20th and 21st century conventional warfare at the operational level – is a plus
Excellent qualitative analytical skills, the ability to conduct granular research on military affairs, the ability to represent material graphically, some familiarity with quantitative methods, and comfort integrating technological tools into research
Exceptional writing skills and a willingness to learn ISW's institutional policy-focused writing style. Previous experience writing for a policy audience is a plus
Outstanding briefing and presentation skills. The ideal candidate has experience conveying information to the media and senior-level civilian and military decision makers
Experience participating in, managing, and developing wargames and planning exercises is a plus
Eagerness to learn new skills and content expertise, both through structured organizational training and education as well as through independent efforts
Willingness to travel to Europe in support of the Defense of Europe Project's research and briefing efforts
Interest and enthusiasm for ISW's research agenda and mission
Preferred
A master's degree
Previous experience writing for a policy audience
Experience participating in, managing, and developing wargames and planning exercises
Professional working proficiency in one or more of Russian, Ukrainian, German, Polish, or the language of other NATO states
Company
Institute for the Study of War
Institute for the Study of War is on the front lines of military thinking.
11-50 employees
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