Research Assistant – Japan Chair

University of Denver; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is seeking a Research Assistant for the Japan Chair in Washington, DC. This full-time role involves supporting research and project management on U.S.-Japan relations and related topics. Applicants should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and strong research skills. Benefits include medical and vision insurance, retirement planning, and tuition assistance.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

403(b) for retirement planning

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Military Leave

12 Paid Holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Qualifications

• Ability to conduct policy-oriented research across various issues.
• Familiarity with U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
• Oral and written proficiency in Japanese preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on topics directed by program staff.
• Manage research projects under supervision.
• Assist in event planning and execution.

Skills

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Policy-oriented research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Japan Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field

Job description

Center for Strategic and International Studies - CSIS

Recruitment began on May 19, 2025

and the job listing Expires on June 9, 2025

Washington, DC Early Career Alumni Jobs, Full-Time Job

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decisionmakers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 200 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

CSIS is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Japan Chair. The Japan Chair was established to provide a venue in Washington for the study of U.S.-Japan relations and increasing mutual understanding. As Japan’s role in Asian and global affairs continues to grow, the Japan Chair seeks to define a strategic agenda for the U.S.-Japan relationship in a bilateral, regional, and global context. The current research agenda covers a broad range of themes including Japanese domestic politics, U.S.-Japan security and economic ties, and strategic coordination with other like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for supporting research, project management, and administrative functions of the Japan Chair. This is an in-person position at the CSIS headquarters.

The salary band for this position is $55,000-$65,000. Salary and title are based on the level of experience and expertise of the chosen candidate.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research on a range of topics as directed by program staff.

• Manage research projects under the supervision of program staff. Topics include but are not limited to Japanese domestic politics, U.S. military alliances, economic security, critical and emerging technologies, regional institutional architecture, and governance of the maritime, outer space, and cyber domains.

• Coordinate the design, layout, copyediting, and distribution of Japan Chair publications.

• Assist the team in aspects of event planning, promotion, and execution for public events and for internal (private) meetings with program stakeholders.

• Contribute to the grant proposal process.

• Other duties as needed.

Knowledge, education, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Japan Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field.

• Ability to conduct policy-oriented research across a range of issue areas including but not necessarily limited to politics, diplomacy, international security, trade, and technology.

• Familiarity with issues animating the policy debate in Japan and U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments effectively.

• Oral and written proficiency in Japanese preferred

Physical requirements and work conditions

This position will be based out of our Washington DC headquarters and is expected to be in-office 3+ days per week. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

OUR BENEFITS

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

403(b) for retirement planning

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Military Leave

12 Paid Holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a résumé, cover letter, college transcript, and a 2-3-page writing sample tohttps://csis.org/careers . Please note, your application will be considered incomplete without all materials.

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.