Middle East Security Program Researcher

understandingwar; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) seeks a Middle East Researcher to conduct open‑source analysis of geo‑strategic dynamics in the Middle East and assess implications for U.S. national security. The Researcher will publish insights to inform policymakers and support ISW’s mission.

Based in Washington, DC, the role requires strong Arabic language skills, excellent writing, and the ability to mentor interns while collaborating with teams across related security programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to national security or Middle East studies.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Excellent written English communication.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities.
• Arabic fluency in reading and speaking.

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 U.S. 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.

Skills

Excellent writing

Independent research

Briefing skills

Presentation skills

Arabic language

Qualitative analysis

Collaboration

Media experience

Tech in research

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree preferred

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.

About ISW

The need for objective, reliable, and accurate 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 talented and self‑motivated full‑time Researcher to conduct timely and exceptional open‑source research and analysis of the geo‑strategic dynamics of the Middle East region and how those dynamics will affect U.S. national security interests. The Researcher will work within ISW’s Middle East Security Program and publish his or her insights to help identify the risks and opportunities in different policy approaches for U.S. policy‑makers and practitioners.

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 U.S. 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, and responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Application Information

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.