Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; Asia Economics and Security
The Research Assistant will support senior fellows in China studies by conducting research and analysis on Chinese corporations, foreign policy, and US-China relations, with a focus on economics and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Responsibilities include data collection, report editing, event coordination, project management, and mentoring interns, requiring strong Mandarin proficiency and excellent research and organizational skills. This full-time, in-person role demands academic curiosity and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic policy research environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Consultancy.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a full-time, in-person Research Assistant to support senior fellows working on China and Asia economics and security policy. Key responsibilities include:
- Research, edit, and assist in publishing policy reports on economics, international trade, authoritarian governance, security, and politics in the Indo-Pacific.
- Update and maintain the China Global Investment Tracker through data collection, in-depth research in Chinese, fact-checking, editing, and data visualization.
- Support planning and logistics for public and private conferences and meetings: invite speakers, draft public invitation copy, coordinate logistics with events and media teams.
- Coordinate program activities and administrative details: manage schedules, arrange meetings in Washington, DC and with foreign contacts, and plan travel logistics.
- Manage long-term projects: draft proposals, map timelines, meet deadlines, coordinate with external project members, organize working groups, edit longer publications, and support event execution.
- Ensure compliance with departmental reporting guidelines and assist with department events and meetings.
- Mentor Asia economics and security interns and support their day-to-day work.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in East Asian studies, international relations, political science, history, public policy, or a related field is required.
- 0–2 years of relevant full-time work experience preferred; previous internship experience strongly preferred.
- Working proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is required (reading and research capability in Mandarin).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
- Excellent research, writing, editing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Previous coursework or background in economics, political economy, the Chinese economy, politics, or security is preferred.
- Able to manage multiple competing priorities and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Applicants should be prepared to provide a resume, cover letter, transcripts, and a 500-word writing sample on a topic related to the role.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Regularly stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands/fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard.
- Close-up vision for computer work is required.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Work may occur in confined areas; moderate office noise expected.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.
Benefits & Compensation
- Confidential Client offers a competitive benefits package, including paid annual leave, paid sick leave, family leave, medical and dental coverage with HSA/FSA options, tuition assistance, life and disability insurance, and a retirement plan with employer contribution.
- Salary range (full-time, exempt): $50,000 - $54,000 per year. Compensation is determined by relevant experience, skills, and other business considerations.
Location & Employment Type
- Location: Washington, DC (in-person).
- Employment type: Full-time (exempt).
- Anticipated start: as soon as possible.
- Employment offers are subject to verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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