China Researcher

 China Program Researcher – Institute for the Study of War

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is seeking a full-time open-source intelligence Researcher for its China Portfolio that will support a high-profile effort to develop alternative strategies for coalition defense of Taiwan. 

About ISW:

As the world continues to witness the devastating impact of armed conflict, the need for objective, real-time, unbiased analysis has never been greater. When decision-makers need information—from policymakers to humanitarian aid organizations to military leaders on the ground—time and time again, they turn to the Institute for the Study of War.

ISW has a unique, dual mission: to provide real-time intelligence to help leaders make informed decisions in conflict zones around the world and educate the next generation of national security leaders. This work is carried out through the General Jack Keane Center for National Security and the General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders.

Position Summary:

ISW promotes an understanding of war and conflict by providing data and critical analysis to key American political and military leaders. In addition, ISW seeks to educate civilians about war and conflict, thus bridging the gaps between military and civilian decision-makers. ISW aims to improve how the United States formulates and executes its national security policy. ISW is vigilant at monitoring crises around the world and has a track record of accurately predicting potential and actual conflicts. ISW provides a proven platform for emerging researchers and analysts to launch their careers in an innovative and highly relevant project.

ISW seeks a self-motivated Researcher with expertise in Chinese foreign policy, national security, central decision-making, and/or military policy issues. Expertise in Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, Japan, and the Philippines is also highly valued. The Researcher will join an open-source intelligence team conducting analysis, assessments, and forecasts for publication and to support the Alternative Strategies for the Coalition Defense of Taiwan (CDOT) project, a joint effort of ISW with the American Enterprise Institute.  The Researcher will contribute directly to publications under his or her own byline to help U.S. policy makers and practitioners develop and execute better strategic approaches to the problem of China and the protection of US and allied vital national interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The candidate must be passionate about conducting detail-oriented research on current events and demonstrate the ability to manage and mentor a team of research interns supporting the project.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide expert analysis on dynamic security issues within the China portfolio.
• Synthesize open-source information on political and security developments in China.
• Capture and analyze granular information with a primary focus on the China-Taiwan security situation and a secondary focus on the Korean Peninsula and South China Sea.
• Keep policymakers informed about the situation, inflection points, and developments affecting US interests.
• Identify potential policy options for the United States and its coalition partners.
• Collaborate with researchers studying Russia, the Middle East and other portfolios to generate insights into regional and cross-border trends.
• Gain proficiency in data-driven analytic software platforms.
• Publish findings through written and graphical reports, as well as oral briefings.
• Provide synthetic research support to long-term projects and forecasts.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and manage research interns.
• Author, co-author, and oversee short, medium, and long-form intelligence products.
• Adhere to institutional writing standards.
• Enforce rigorous processes and procedures for data acquisition, validation, and management.

Required education and experience:

1. 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. Professional working proficiency in Mandarin Chinese (minimum 2 years of study).
3. Demonstrated ability to write clear and logical arguments supported by evidence.
4. Strong understanding of Chinese political dynamics and military operations, either in an operational context or through research or coursework. A sophisticated understanding of military institutions and military history is a plus, as is a sophisticated understanding of other US allies and adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region.
5. Exceptional writing skills, proven independent research skills, good initiative, and the ability to collaborate on research projects; experience writing for a policy audience is a plus.
6. Eagerness for professional development in briefing and presentation skills including experience conveying information to senior-level decision-makers and developing public speaking and briefing skills.
7. Excellent qualitative and analytic skills, and ability to represent material graphically in team-oriented settings. Comfort with integrating technology into research, and knowledge of using ArcGIS a plus.
8. The dedication and drive to produce policy-relevant research in a timely manner.
9. Passionate curiosity for ISW’s research agenda and mission.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Compensation will be commensurate with work experience. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a CV, and an academic/professional writing sample here.