Russia Researcher

Russia Researcher – Institute for the Study of War

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is seeking a Russia Researcher.

About ISW:

As the world continues to witness the devastating impact of armed conflict, the need for objective, real-time, unbiased analysis has never been greater. When decision-makers need informationfrom policymakers to humanitarian aid organizations to military leaders on the groundtime and time again, they turn to the Institute for the Study of War.

ISW has a unique, dual mission:to provide real-time intelligenceto help leaders make informed decisions in conflict zones around the world andeducate the next generationof national security leaders. This work is carried out through the General Jack Keane Center for National Security and the General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders.

Position Summary:

ISW promotes an understanding of war and conflict by providing data and critical analysis to key American political and military leaders. In addition, ISWseeksto educate civilians about war and conflict, thus bridging the gaps between military and civilian decision-makers. ISW aims to improve how the United States formulates and executes its national security policy. ISW is vigilant at monitoring crises around the world and hasa track recordof accurately predicting potential and actual conflicts. ISW provides a proven platform for emerging researchers and analysts to launch their careers in an innovative and highly relevant project.

ISW seeks a full-timeResearcher to conductopen-sourceresearch within ISW’s Russia Portfolio to providetimelyand exceptional open-source analysis of thewar in Ukraine, thegeostrategic dynamics of Russian domestic and foreign policy, and the effects ofthose dynamicsonU.S. national security interests. ISWseeksa talented and self-motivated Researcher withexpertiseinthe war in Ukraineand the drivers of Russiandomestic andforeign policy. The Researcher willcontributeresearch and writingtothe daily Russian Offensive Campaign Assessmentproduct line, ISW's premieranalytical project studying Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Researcher will develop tolaterpublish his or her insights to helpidentifythe risks and opportunities in different policy approaches to the Russia challenge for U.S.policymakersand practitioners. The candidate must be passionate about conducting detail-oriented research on emergent eventsanddemonstratethe ability to manage and mentor a team of research interns supporting the project.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Provide expert analysis on dynamicissueswithin the Russia portfolio, including but not limited to the war in Ukraine,by synthesizing open-source information on political and security developments.
  • Produce daily Russian Offensive Campaign Assessments.
  • Capture and analyze granular information on these developments, including implications of regional dynamics.
  • Work closely withISW's Geospatial, China, and Middle Eastteams studyingto generate insights into regional and cross-border trends.
  • Aim to keep policymakers informed about ground situations, inflection points, developments affecting US interests, and potential policy options.
  • Gainproficiencyin data-driven analytic software platforms to support investigations into complex research questions.
  • Publish findings throughtimelywritten and graphical reports and oral briefings.
  • Provide synthetic research support to long-term projects and forecasts to team members and programs asrequired.
  • Coach, mentor, and manage research interns and collaborate with team members.
  • Help edit and oversee daily and short-form written intelligence products to ensure adherence to institutionalanalytical andwriting standards.
  • Validate compliance with properdatahandlingand storage guidelines.
  • Supportweekendand holiday Ukraine war coverageas requiredby the team.
  • Work flexible and, at times, unpredictable hours to meet publication deadlines.

Required education and experience:

• • A bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to the ISW's core mission and research agenda, a master’s degree is preferred;
  • Professional workingproficiencyin Russian (minimum 2 years of study). Knowledge of Ukrainianor any languages spoken in the former Soviet Union is a plus;
  • Demonstrated ability to structure confident analytical arguments with the resilience to collaborate on organizational standards isrequired;
  • Strong understanding of Russian political dynamics and military operations, either in an operational context or through research or coursework. A sophisticated understanding of military institutions and military history is a plus;
  • Exceptional writing skills, proven independent research skills, good initiative, and the ability to collaborate on research projects. Experience writing for a policy audience is a plus;
  • Eager for professional development in briefing and presentation skills including experience conveying information to senior-level decision-makers and developing public speaking and briefing skills;
  • Excellent qualitative and analytic skills, and the ability torepresentmaterial graphically in team-oriented settings. Some familiarity with quantitative methods, comfort with integrating technology into research, and knowledge of using ArcGIS a plus;
  • Strong open-source research skillsand familiarity with Russian information space;
  • The dedication and drive to produce policy-relevant researchin a timely manner;
  • Passionate curiosity for ISW’s research agenda and mission.

Other duties

Pleasenote thatthis job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. To apply, pleasesubmita letter of interest, a CV, and an academic/professional writing sample here.