Russia Researcher: Open-Source Analysis & Policy Briefings

Institute for the Study of War; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) seeks a Russia Researcher to deliver open-source analysis on the war in Ukraine and the drivers of Russian policy, informing U.S. national security decisions.

You will contribute to the daily Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment and help translate complex events into concise, policy-relevant insights. You will mentor research interns and collaborate with ISW's Geospatial, China, and Middle East teams to produce timely briefings and graphics for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to ISW's core mission; master's preferred.
• Professional proficiency in Russian (minimum 2 years of study). Ukrainian or other languages a plus.
• Ability to structure confident analytical arguments and collaborate on organizational standards.
• Strong understanding of Russian political dynamics and military operations; knowledge of military history a plus.
• Excellent writing skills and independent research ability; experience writing for policy audiences a plus.
• Willingness to develop briefing and presentation skills for senior decision-makers.
• Open-source research skills and familiarity with Russian information space; ArcGIS knowledge a plus.
• Dedication to producing policy-relevant research in a timely manner.
• Passionate about ISW’s research agenda and mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert analysis on Russia portfolio using open-source data.
• Produce daily Russian Offensive Campaign Assessments.
• Analyze regional dynamics and implications for US interests.
• Collaborate with Geospatial, China, and Middle East teams.
• Mentor and manage research interns; edit daily intelligence products.
• Ensure compliance with data handling guidelines.
• Support weekend Ukraine war coverage; meet publication deadlines.

Skills

Russian language

Writing skills

Open-source research

Mentoring

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) seeks a Russia Researcher to deliver open-source analysis on the war in Ukraine and the drivers of Russian policy, informing U.S. national security decisions.

You will contribute to the daily Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment and help translate complex events into concise, policy-relevant insights. You will mentor research interns and collaborate with ISW's Geospatial, China, and Middle East teams to produce timely briefings and graphics for