Job details

Research Fellow, East Asia Program

The Quincy Institute (QI) seeks a research fellow with a high degree of expertise in Chinese military and national security policy to join its East Asia Program. The expert’s key responsibility is to produce a significant volume of original analysis and public communication on US policy toward China and East Asia, including research papers, policy proposals, op-eds, and media engagement. The overriding aim is to advance QI’s mission of moving US national security strategy toward diplomatic engagement and military restraint.

This position entails promoting QI’s work among decision-makers and contributing expert commentary to various media outlets. The Research Fellow will respond to events of the day with rapid analysis to frame the media narrative. The research fellow will also build or maintain strong connections with the relevant policy and media communities.

Responsibilities

Help build a cohesive, rational, and strategic response to challenges in the realms of US security and military policy vis-à-vis China, with the goal of reshaping the parameters of debate around US foreign policy
In collaboration with other team members, develop concrete foreign policy proposals aligned with the grand strategy of Restraint and build support for those positions through a high level of original scholarship, policy analyses, opinion columns, talking points, and other materials for public dissemination
Use knowledge from the program’s research and Congress’s legislative agenda to effectively influence policy. Connect QI’s work to relevant scholars and activists
Have or develop strong relations in the relevant policy community, including the Defense and State Departments and National Security Council and on Capitol Hill, and promote QI’s work and agenda among decision-makers
Work with communications colleagues to develop positions quickly on issues of the day to benefit from a first-mover’s advantage in framing the policy and media narrative; provide expert commentary and represent QI in the media
Organize and lead panels, roundtables, study groups, and workshops at QI
Support and brief leadership as needed
Direct and coordinate research assistants and interns to support output

Education and Experience

PhD preferred
Minimum of three years as an academic or policymaker, preferably at a university, think tank, nonprofit, or government
Competence in Mandarin required
Demonstrated familiarity with the US foreign policy landscape and a strong record of scholarship or policy work in the fields of IR/security studies, modern East Asian diplomatic/military history, or other relevant areas
Strong understanding of and commitment to the principles of a US foreign policy based on the IR theory of Restraint
Experience representing an organization and its agenda to high-level and public audiences

Requirements

Ability to produce detailed, original analytical reports on military and national security policies in East Asia, with a focus on China and/or China’s security relations with other major states
Exceptional, clear, and compelling writing and strong editing skills
Ability to translate foreign policy concepts into clear and engaging content
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and comfort working within a small team in a start-up environment
Ability to speak and write knowledgeably and comfortably about public policy research and findings to news media; and key partners, including state, local, and federal policymakers, as well as general audiences
Ability to conceive and lead projects and complete them on time, on budget, and with attention to detail
A high level of energy, commitment, and enthusiasm for the Quincy Institute’s mission, program, and goals

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and three writing samples demonstrating different forms of communication (scholarly, expert media, popular media). The deadline for applying is now Friday, January 10th, where top candidates will be reviewed and contacted within the following week.

What You Should Know About Research Fellow, East Asia Program, Quincy Institute

The Quincy Institute (QI) is on the lookout for a dynamic and knowledgeable Research Fellow to join our East Asia Program in the heart of Washington, D.C. This role isn’t just about crunching numbers or following guidelines; it’s a chance to shape the narrative around U.S. policy toward China and East Asia. If you’re passionate about Chinese military and national security policy and are eager to produce original analysis, you’ll fit right in! As a Research Fellow, your primary responsibility will be to generate high-quality research papers, op-eds, and policy proposals that push forward QI’s mission of promoting diplomacy and military restraint. You’ll be engaging with decision-makers and contributing expert commentary across various media platforms, helping us respond swiftly to current events and framing the media narrative around them. Your expertise will help build coherent policies that reshape U.S. security debate, and you’ll work collaboratively with an excited team, including organizing panels and workshops that promote deep discussions on relevant issues. We are looking for someone with a PhD and at least three years of experience in academia or policymaking who can navigate the complexities of the U.S. foreign policy landscape. Fluency in Mandarin and strong writing abilities are essential, as you’ll need to produce detailed analytical reports while engaging effectively with policymakers and the general public. If you have a passion for the Quincy Institute’s mission and the energy to make an impact, we invite you to apply and be part of an exciting journey towards transforming how we understand security in East Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Research Fellow, East Asia Program Role at Quincy Institute

What are the main responsibilities of a Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute?

As a Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute, you will be responsible for producing original analysis on U.S. policy toward China and East Asia. This includes generating research papers, op-eds, and policy proposals while engaging with decision-makers and media outlets. Your role will entail shaping narratives around security challenges and promoting diplomatic approaches. You’ll also lead workshops and collaborate with other team members on policy initiatives.