Research Assistant, Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, Coalition Defense of Taiwan

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking a full-time, in-person research assistant to support the Coalition Defense of Taiwan, a critical new initiative that identifies alternative strategies for defending Taiwan. The project, conducted in partnership with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), will detail US interests and objectives vis-à-vis Taiwan, the Chinese threat to Taiwan, prospects and strategies for forming a regional and global deterrent coalition, possible coalition interests and objectives vis-à-vis Taiwan, and recommended courses of action for the coalition. Through tested methodology, deep subject matter expertise, and policy knowledge, this project will significantly contribute to elucidating the requirements for successful coalition building to enhance deterrence and warfighting in the Indo-Pacific.

The research assistant will primarily be responsible for providing research, writing, and editing support to the project leads, Dan Blumenthal and Frederick W. Kagan, and will work closely with the initiative’s project coordinator. Other duties include facilitating planning exercises, working group sessions, and other events; supervising interns; and collaborating with ISW’s analytical team to ensure project cohesion. The research assistant may have opportunities to publish work or receive authorial credit on project deliverables.

The research assistant will join a team of four others. This employee will focus on monitoring developments on the Korean peninsula and researching relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and China, the decision-making of the Worker’s Party of Korea, and ways the Republic of Korea could contribute to defending US interests in the Indo-Pacific. 

This position requires excellent writing, communication, research, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated interest in Asian studies, is academically curious, can take initiative on researching lines of inquiry, and can manage multiple competing priorities at once. Applicants must be proficient in Korean. Working proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is highly desired but not required.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, unofficial academic transcripts, and a 500-word writing sample with their application. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

• Research, edit, and assist in producing policy publications focused on security and politics in the Indo-Pacific.
• Prepare read-ahead materials and presentations before planning exercises, working group sessions, and other events.
• Collaborate with a team to produce research, draft memos and presentations, and produce other work to be used in drafting papers or presented to project leads.
• Under the project coordinator’s oversight, supervise interns: Meet regularly, translate research requests into tasks with steps and timelines, review products, and coordinate meetings with the project coordinator.

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• A bachelor’s degree in international relations, history, Asian studies, or a related field
• 0–2 years of previous full-time work experience
• Korean language skills (required)
• Familiarity with policy issues regarding the Korean Peninsula and Asian security challenges

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits here.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000 - $54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.