KAP 2025-2026 - Research Associate - Stimson Center

As a Research Associate at the Stimson Center, your key responsibilities will include conducting research to aid in drafting the Program’s publications, providing logistical support for events, and managing contacts to enhance institutional memory. You'll also engage in media outreach to bolster the visibility of our initiatives. This role is designed to immerse you in the daily operations while equipping you with practical skills for a successful career in foreign policy.

To be considered for the Research Associate position at the Stimson Center, you'll need to be a graduate student or a recent graduate with a genuine passion for US foreign policy. A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent from a non-U.S. institution is preferred. Ideal candidates will also demonstrate exceptional writing skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and a commitment to the Stimson Center’s core mission.

To make your application stand out as a Research Associate for the Stimson Center, it's essential to convey a strong interest in US foreign policy through your academic background and personal experiences. Highlight any relevant research, internships, or projects. Moreover, your answer to the provided question on foreign policy assumptions should showcase your analytical thinking and engagement with contemporary issues, demonstrating that you align with the Stimson Center's mission.

As a KAP Research Associate at the Stimson Center, you can expect diverse experiential learning opportunities, including participation in seminars, presentations, and discussions with leading experts in foreign policy. You'll gain practical insights that can’t be replicated in a classroom setting and engage with peers and mentors who share your commitment to innovative solutions in tackling national and international challenges.

The application process for the Stimson Center Research Associate position involves submitting your resume, cover letter, and responses to specific questions outlined in the job posting. Pay close attention to the question regarding assumptions in US foreign policy; a thoughtful and concise response can significantly enhance your application. The selection process typically includes interviews, allowing candidates to showcase their skills and enthusiasm for the center's mission.

A strong candidate should express a deep interest in US foreign policy and the innovative approaches being developed at the Stimson Center. Include specific aspects of the center's work that excite you, like their focus on reassessing conventional wisdom and testing policy assumptions.

When answering, describe a specific project, your role, methodologies used, and the outcomes. Emphasize your analytical skills and how your findings contribute to better understanding or reshaping foreign policies.

Demonstrate your organizational skills by discussing how you assess project deadlines and requirements. Mention any tools or techniques you use, such as project management software, to keep track of your workload and ensure timely completion of assignments.

Describe innovative outreach strategies, such as leveraging social media, collaborating with influencers in the field, or developing targeted press releases. Provide examples to showcase your understanding of effective media engagement.

Discuss your openness to feedback and how you view it as an opportunity for growth. Give examples of past experiences where you've successfully utilized feedback to enhance your writing and research.

Offer a thoughtful analysis of a challenge, such as rising global tensions or shifts in international alliances. Relate your perspective to your research interests, aligning your thoughts with the Stimson Center's focus areas.

Explain your strategies for staying updated, such as following reputable news sources, participating in webinars, or engaging with professional networks. Show your passion and dedication to continuous learning in the field.

Highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering creative problem-solving. Provide examples of how diverse viewpoints have led to more comprehensive and effective policy solutions.

Share a specific incident that required teamwork, your contributions, and how you helped achieve the project's goals. Stress the importance of communication and how you valued feedback from your teammates.

Outline your research process, including how you gather information from diverse sources, analyze data, and distill findings into comprehensible formats. Mention any relevant tools or skills you use to enhance this process.