Associate Research Analyst (China Studies Program)

CNA Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Associate Research Analyst focused on China studies. This role emphasizes the importance of professional-level Mandarin skills and offers the opportunity to contribute to critical research on military and security issues related to the People's Republic of China. You'll engage in a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages innovative problem-solving. The position involves conducting thorough analyses and supporting business development efforts, making it ideal for those passionate about international relations and security studies. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in China studies, political science, or related field required.
• Professional-level Mandarin skills and research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on PRC military and security issues.
• Support business development and marketing efforts through research.

Skills

Mandarin Chinese language skills

Microsoft Office applications

Database management

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Research techniques

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

CNA, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, February 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM | Expires Monday, June 2, 2025 at 3:59 AM

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA’s China and Indo Pacific Affairs (CIP) division is looking for an Associate Research Analyst to be part of their China Studies Program team. We are looking for candidates that have professional level Mandarin language capabilities and who specialize in China studies, to work on projects that focus on military and security issues related to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Staff at this level will provide research, analytical, and technical support on a range of projects focused on PRC military and security issues, to include work on the political, military, diplomatic, economic, technological, informational, nuclear, space, and cyber domains.

The CIP division supports the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as other DOD sponsors by providing timely, data-based analyses on a wide range of security issues across the Indo-Pacific region, providing decision-makers the context they need to make informed choices and plans.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. Under close supervision, conducts research and analysis that meets CNA’s quality standards on focused, structured questions. Can effectively apply standard, routine, and well-established analytic methodologies. With minimal direction and supervision, routinely produces analysis that is logical and traceable as well as objective and unbiased. Shows some analytic creativity.
2. Develops rudimentary institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.
3. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally, and fairly. Keeps others informed. Actively engages with colleagues and works with manager to identify opportunities for collaborations within team and division. Seeks out others working on similar topics.
4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by conducting background research and helping prepare materials under the direction of more experienced staff.
5. Limited interaction with sponsors/clients and their study POCs under the supervision of an experienced colleague.
6. Impact largely confined to individual project work.
7. Demonstrates basic, effective communication skills, both written and oral. Can effectively present work to colleagues and CNA managers.
8. Works under close supervision on focused, well-structured pieces of projects.
9. Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors. Serves as an effective member of project or research team by supporting leadership as needed.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant degree fields may include—but are not limited to—China studies, Asia studies, Indo-Pacific studies, political science, security studies, economics, and foreign policy.
2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Master’s degree & 0+ years of experience in research and analysis. Time spent living and studying or working in China or Taiwan preferred. Experience conducting research using both Chinese- and English-language materials and experience working for or with US military or government organizations strongly desired.
3. Skills:

• Professional-level Mandarin Chinese language skills strongly desired. Applicants may be asked to complete a translation assessment and submit a writing sample.
• Facility with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint).
• Ability to manage databases.
• Ability to gather and organize information on policies, systems, problems, or procedures.
• Strong critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge of research techniques.
• Ability to plan and organize tasks effectively, both as an individual contributor and as a team member.

Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.

Required Documents

Please include the following documents with your application:

• Resume
• Writing sample
• Transcripts - Undergraduate and Graduate (unofficial is ok)

***Voluntary (but highly desired) document***
Please include a personal statement as part of your application. A personal statement is a chance for us to get to know you. The statement is your opportunity to share your goals, interests, influences and show us that you will be a valuable asset to our organization. Personal statements will not be used as an elimination criteria for this position. They will only be used to enhance a candidate’s application.

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age,