Middle East Security Program Researcher Job at Institute for the Study of War, Washington DC

clJnZkM1b0ZCTWJzZURnZUdCZ1FOTkpiN0E9PQ==
  • Institute for the Study of War
  • Washington DC

Job Description

Middle East Security Program Researcher - Institute for the Study of War

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is seeking a Middle East Researcher who will report to the Director of Research.

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: 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 full-time Researcher to conduct research within ISW's Middle East Security Program to provide timely and exceptional open-source analysis of the geo-strategic dynamics of the Middle East region and how those dynamics will affect U.S. national security interests. ISW seeks a talented and self-motivated Researcher with expertise in Middle East conflicts. The Researcher will publish his or her insights to help identify the risks and opportunities in different policy approaches for U.S. policy-makers and practitioners. The candidate must be passionate about conducting detail-oriented research on emergent 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 conflicts within the Middle East portfolio by synthesizing open-source information on political and security developments.
  • Capture and analyze granular information on these developments, including implications of regional dynamics.
  • Work closely with teams studying China and Russia to generate insights into regional and cross-border trends.
  • Aim to keep policymakers informed about ground situations, inflection points, developments affecting US interests, and potential policy options.
  • Gain proficiency in data-driven analytic software platforms to support investigations into complex research questions.
  • Publish findings through timely written and graphical reports and oral briefings.
  • Provide synthetic research support to long-term projects and forecasts to team members and programs as required.
  • Coach, mentor, and manage research interns and collaborate with team members.
  • Help edit and oversee daily and short-form written intelligence products to ensure adherence to institutional writing standards.
  • Validate compliance with proper data handling and storage guidelines.
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. Excellent understanding of written and spoken Arabic.
  3. Strong understanding of Middle Eastern 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 helpful.
  4. Exceptional writing skills, proven independent research skills, good initiative, and the ability to collaborate on research projects.
  5. Outstanding briefing and presentation skills. The ideal candidate has experience conveying information to senior-level decision makers.
  6. Excellent qualitative and analytic skills, ability to represent material graphically, some familiarity with quantitative methods, and comfort with integrating technology into research.
  7. Experience dealing with the media - both print and broadcast - is preferred.
  8. The dedication and drive to produce policy-relevant research in a timely manner.
  9. Interest and enthusiasm 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. Institute for the Study of War

Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement,

Similar Jobs

West Valley Water District

Administrative Assistant I/II- Confidential Job at West Valley Water District

 ...importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while striving for...  ..., memoranda, reports, agendas, forms, and other items as delegated....  ...classification series. May fill in, as needed, in other...  ...the option of a hybrid work-from-home schedule, empowering you to work... 

Community Veterinary Partners

Vet Assistant Job at Community Veterinary Partners

 ...FOR AAHA ANIMAL HOSPITAL (Great Falls, VA) NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR: FT/PT Licensed Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant We are currently seeking a Full-Time LVT or Veterinary Assistant for our five doctor small animal hospital. Applicants must be... 

GPAC

Maintenance Supervisor FL Job at GPAC

 ...Maintenance Supervisor We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Maintenance Supervisor to oversee the maintenance operations within our manufacturing facility. The Maintenance Supervisor will lead a team of technicians, ensuring that equipment, machinery, and facilities... 

Clarendale of St Peters

Activity Assistant Job at Clarendale of St Peters

 ...responsible planning, scheduling, and coordinating meaningful activities appropriate to the needs and interests of residents and conducive...  ...of a Life Enrichment Coordinator: Assist the Director of Life Enrichment with planning, scheduling, and... 

KPMG LLP

Tax Intern, Business Tax Services - Commercial Japanese Practice | Winter 2026 Job at KPMG LLP

 ...completed a bachelors degree or higher in the past 12 months. KPMG recruits on a rolling basis. Candidates are considered as they...  ...become an integral part of a dynamic team at one of the worlds top tax firms. Enjoy a collaborative, future-forward culture that empowers...