Research Assistants/Associate, Defense Program

Full Time

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks to hire two Research Assistants/Associates (RAs) to support its Defense Program. Candidates who possess strong project and event management skills, and an interest in defense, artificial intelligence (AI), and wargaming are strongly encouraged to apply. Both positions are two-year appointments to support an ongoing research project. Please note that this is not a regional studies position.

Candidates should be self-starters comfortable with taking the initiative while working as part of a small, close-knit team in an extremely fast-paced and fluid work environment. The RAs will have the opportunity to work on a tabletop exercise (TTX) series and contribute to a research project on a high-impact defense issue pertaining to AI and autonomy. Candidates must be able to organize domestic and international events with senior defense officials and manage complex administrative tasks while also balancing research assignments. Diligent attention to detail is critical for this role.

The RAs will be expected to perform a variety of tasks outlined below. The following is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required and responsibilities will vary over time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

EVENT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

  • Manage a TTX series in domestic and international locations as part of The Gaming Lab at CNAS. Tasks include but are not limited to:
    • Formulate agendas and relevant background materials;
    • Draft and send personalized invitations, and manage RSVP lists;
    • Coordinate with senior government and subject matter experts and their staffs;
    • Oversee event logistics, including venues, catering, A/V, etc.;
    • Coordinate travel as needed.
  • Support Defense Program private roundtables and public events with senior leaders that are part of the Fireside Chat and Mission Brief series.

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

  • Conduct literature reviews, in-depth research, and analysis on key defense topics, including defense applications of AI and autonomy.
  • Assist in wargame design, execution, and analysis.
  • Create and manage wargame support materials, to include scenarios, orders of battle / capability lists, and briefing materials.
  • Identify key insights from wargames.
  • Co-author wargame briefings and CNAS reports with supervision from senior staff.
  • Participate in engagements with external experts and practitioners.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

  • Schedule meetings and events across multiple time zones.
  • Create meeting agendas, take notes, and track tasks associated with this project.
  • Engage with project sponsor in conjunction with Center staff.
  • Manage project budget in conjunction with Center staff.
  • Compile reporting requirements for project sponsor in conjunction with Center staff.
  • Arrange business travel and accommodations.
  • Compile expense reports.
  • Maintain project content for the program’s website.
  • Manage project contact lists.

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

  • Edit CNAS briefings, papers, and reports for substance, style, and layout, including citations.
  • Manage team publication schedules and deadlines.
  • Collaborate with Center staff to develop compelling graphics and data visualizations.
  • Help promote research among target audiences.

TEAM MANAGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Help manage and mentor intern(s).
  • Participate in interviews and other personnel processes.
  • Attend internal meetings and represent CNAS at outside events.
  • Mentor colleagues.
  • Assist in networking, messaging, and outreach about CNAS, the Defense Program, and its products.
  • Attend and staff CNAS events and activities as needed.
  • Occasional travel.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Required:

  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and rigorous attention to detail.
  • Strong multitasking and time management skills, as well as an ability to juggle multiple tasks and competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated interest in researching, analyzing, and writing on defense issues, particularly AI and wargaming.
  • Willingness to support the Defense Program through administrative work.
  • An ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and fluid environment.
  • General familiarity with military, Defense Department, and AI issues and terminology.
  • Strong writing skills, including good grammar and diligent self-editing and fact checking.
  • Good judgment, especially regarding the quality of data and competing information sources.
  • Willingness to maintain confidentiality.
  • Computer competency including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Slack, and Zoom.
  • Based in Washington, DC or willing to relocate upon job offer.

Preferred:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., strategic studies, security studies, political science, international relations, military history, operations research).
  • Project management experience.
  • Experience running events for senior participants.
  • Experience researching, analyzing, and writing on defense issues, especially applications of AI and autonomy on defense operations and strategy.
  • Experience designing, executing, and analyzing wargames.
  • Two to five years of relevant work experience (required for Research Associate applicants).

ABOUT THE DEFENSE PROGRAM

The CNAS Defense program addresses the central military challenges of today and tomorrow and assesses how to balance risk across time. We employ strategic, budgetary, and operational analysis and leverage innovative approaches to inform defense policy. Wargaming is one of these innovation approaches, and the Gaming Lab at CNAS, situated within the Defense Program, develops and runs games and exercises on critical defense issues. Through these efforts and more, we develop actionable policy recommendations on defense strategy, force structure, operations, and resourcing to help U.S. and allied leaders create needed change.

ABOUT CNAS

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short and long term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

CNAS abides by all Federal and District of Columbia employment laws.

TO APPLY

CNAS is accepting online applications only. Apply online using this link:

https://cnas.bamboohr.com/careers/117

A complete application will include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in and qualifications for the position, together with a résumé or CV. Additional application materials and professional references may be requested.