Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa Studies

The American Enterprise Institute seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to work on the South Asia studies and Indo-Pacific strategy portfolio in the Foreign and Defense Policy Studies department. The person in this position will be responsible for supporting the work of AEI Senior Fellows Sadanand Dhume and Michael Rubin. Mr. Dhume’s area of focus comprises South Asian economic, political, and security issues. Dr. Rubin’s areas of focus include Iran, Turkey, the broader Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. In addition to research responsibilities, this position will include administrative tasks and supervising interns.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on any topic. For any job related inquiries or messages, please email jobs@aei.org.

• Compile research binders on various political, economic, and security issues in South Asia for Mr. Dhume’s publications, briefings, and talks as needed. This requires analyzing information from various media outlets, journal articles, and, when pertinent, economic databases.
• Conduct detailed, time-sensitive fact checks for scholarly publications. Good media literacy is important for this task.
• Write concise summaries of research findings for Dr. Rubin’s areas of focus when required.
• Review work submitted by interns to ensure it meets the standards and fulfills the requirements of the scholars.
• Maintain scholars’ calendars, including by adding and updating appointments.
• Plan and organize events, including roundtable discussions and other events, as needed.
• Add scholars’ publications to AEI’s website.
• Submit weekly, monthly, and biannual reports on scholars’ work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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-up vision for computer work.
  
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
  
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
  
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, 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 affairs, economics, political science, Asian studies, or a related field is required.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Language abilities in Hindi or Urdu are a plus.
• Fluency in a Middle Eastern language is also an asset but not a requirement.

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.