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Research Associate - Middle East Program

Washington, D.C.

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Middle East program is currently seeking candidates for a full-time, paid research associate. The CSIS Middle East Program seeks a creative, intellectually curious, and highly motivated individual to support the Program’s research agenda in a fast-paced and collaborative environment. The successful candidate will be a strong writer, critical thinker, and team player with demonstrated skills in research, data analytics and visualization; and interest in Middle East affairs. The position reports directly to the Director of the Middle East Program. 

The successful candidate will possess a strong academic foundation in Middle East studies, international relations, political science, or a related field, as well as excellent analytical and research skills. She/he will be comfortable working independently and collaboratively to support the production of high-quality, data-driven written products and policy-relevant research. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple research projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.  

CSIS staff mostly work downtown at our office in DC. All candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Research and Analysis 

  • Conduct independent research, data collection, and analysis to support programmatic and policy objectives, especially in support of our bi-weekly chart series, Charting the Middle East
  • Develop high-quality data visualizations with accompanying analysis, briefing materials, and analytical products with minimal supervision
  • Monitor developments and emerging trends within assigned areas of focus and provide timely analysis
  • Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy solutions and strategic insights
  • Draft, review, and edit research reports, policy recommendations, commentaries, articles, and other written products

2. Communications, Program Management, and Administration 

  • Prepare presentations, briefing materials, and talking points for internal and external audiences
  • Effectively communicate research findings through written and verbal presentations
  • Support fundraising and business development efforts, including grant proposal preparation, donor reporting, and related administrative processes
  • Perform additional administrative and programmatic duties as assigned to support the successful execution of program objectives

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE 

  • Completion of a Master’s degree in Middle East studies, international affairs, political science, or a related field
  • Minimum of a 3.7 GPA on a U.S. scale or equivalent
  • Ability to work independently, in a team, and closely with a range of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
  • Strong organization and time management skills
  • Strong communication skills including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from partners, constituency groups, media, government entities, and the general public
  • Familiarity with data analytics and visualization tools such as Excel, R, Stata, Python, SQL or PowerBI/Tableau
  • Strong demonstrated knowledge of the Middle East and policy-related research
  • Proficiency in Arabic, Hebrew and/or Persian strongly preferred
  • In addition to the above, candidates with demonstrated skills in data analysis and visualization, knowledge of AI, and experience working on the Gulf are highly encouraged to apply. 

 

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 

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants should submit a 1-2 page resumé, 1-page cover letter, a writing sample of up to five double-spaced pages, and all available transcripts no later than July 20, 2026.  Documents should be submitted in a single pdf with the title “(Full name) MEP RA application”.
CSIS reserves the right to close the application early if a high volume of applications is received. 

Writing samples should demonstrate the ability to research and write policy-relevant work on the region. If candidates advance in the hiring process, we will ask for additional references at a later stage.  

Salary Range

$63,000 - $72,000 USD

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.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 

 

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