Research Assistant - Cyber Program

Research Assistant - Cyber Program

FTE: 100%

Salary: $50,000 annually

Location: Washington, DC

About Stimson

The Henry L. Stimson Center (Stimson), a nonpartisan global security think tank located in Washington, DC, seeks a Research Assistant, reporting to Allison Pytlak, Cyber Program Director. This role ensures that our practices support our mission-driven work, align with Stimson's vision, values, strategic goals, standards of conduct, and operational objectives, and demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee well-being.

We seek a highly motivated, organized, entrepreneurial, and collaborative individual committed to Stimson's mission and core values. This person understands that any organization is only as good as the people working there and the relationships they build and sustain. This job will require building authentic relationships with staff and affiliates that facilitate the successful candidate's ability to challenge, develop, and support them.

About the Program and Position Summary

The Henry L. Stimson Center seeks a full-time Research Assistant for its Cyber Program starting in January 2025. This position supports and advances the work of the Cyber Program through research, writing, and administrative activities.

Candidates must be committed to producing high-quality desk research and analysis about international and national cyber security issues, as well as to engage with diverse external partners and stakeholders. The selected candidate will have an ability to situate and analyze cyber-related challenges in a broader context of international peace and security to support the development of creative and pragmatic policy solutions.

Rapid technological change is posing new and emerging threats to peace, security, and human rights in the United States and around the world. Stimson's Cyber Program has a global outlook and focuses on the tools and mechanisms that deter malicious cyber activity and address cyber harms. It does so through research, collaboration, and dialogue. Current projects focus on norms, law and accountability, with an emphasis on countries in the IndoPacific region; the role of the UN Security Council and other global bodies; online cybercrime scam operations; and gendered disinformation in electoral contexts. The Program participates in external initiatives that focus on specific cyber threats or that seek to improve understandings about responsible cyber behavior, while also collaborating with other Stimson Center teams and experts.

Responsibilities:

• Perform desk research and analysis to support current Cyber Program projects and activities.
  • Outputs may include but are not limited to policy briefs, policy memos, commentaries, backgrounders, meeting reports, or visual analysis (graphs, tables, etc).
  • Methods mainly include qualitative research (literature reviews, narrative research, desk research) and primary research (interviews, focus groups, observation).
• Support Cyber Program communications and publications needs by drafting program updates, maintaining contact lists, and managing the product pipeline.
• Coordinate logistics for trainings, workshops, roundtables, webinars and meetings.
• Liaise with other relevant Stimson Center programs as needed to support mutual goals and activities
• Attend events and meetings about cyber issues convened by other organizations or hosts, online or in-person
• Manage program contacts and digital filing systems.
• Assist Program Director with ad-hoc outputs through drafting or editing briefs, presentations, project notes, analytical pieces, and web articles, as needed.
• Assist with the preparation of funding proposals and grant reports, as requested;
• Travel domestically and/or abroad, if required; and
• Perform other tasks as directed to support the program.

Qualifications - required:

• Undergraduate degree with a focus on international security, international relations, international affairs, political science, law or other related social sciences; graduate degree strongly preferred.
• Proven interest in the core mission of the Stimson Center.
• Demonstrated interest in international cybersecurity and cybercrime issues, and curiosity to learn more.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate about complex issues to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Outstanding research and analytical skills.
• Enthusiastic, flexible team player and ability to work well independently.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and multitask across projects.
• Diplomatic skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Enjoys taking initiative and proposing creative ideas.

Qualifications - preferred:

• Familiarity with cybercrime and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Knowledge of UN and/other multilateral policy-making bodies.
• Experience in bringing a gender or human rights perspective to international security issues.
• Ability to communicate about complex topics in ways that relate to different audiences and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of a second language.

We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Application requirements:

• Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter with salary requirements, and which links your skills to the position requirements and mission of the program
• A short writing sample of 3-5 pages (unedited by others) focused on an international peace and security topic.
• Applications missing a resume, cover letter, and writing sample, will not be considered

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Stimson is an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.