Research Associate & Energy Security & Climate Change Program

The Center for Strategic and International Studies is hiring a Research Associate for its Energy Security & Climate Change Program in Washington, DC. The role involves research, writing, project management, and outreach on energy security and climate change issues. Candidates should have 2-3 years of experience in the energy sector and relevant educational qualifications. The minimum salary for a Research Associate is $63,000.
OverviewJOB SUMMARY: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. It has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of about 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts addressing the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Energy Security and Climate Change Program is hiring a research associate or associate fellow (depending on appropriate experience) to support its work on issues related to energy security, the energy transition, and climate change. This position assists in the development, research, and writing of projects undertaken by the program, with cross-cutting responsibilities including analysis, research, project management, and outreach. The candidate should be a creative, dedicated, and energetic individual ready to contribute significantly to research on AI and data centers, electricity transmission and power systems, and clean energy technologies. Demonstrated experience in those fields is preferred. The minimum salary for a Research Associate is $63,000, and the minimum salary for an Associate Fellow is $70,000.

Notes: Salary figures are minimums and may be adjusted based on experience.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research, Writing, and Project Management (90%), including but not limited to: Identifies and researches key issues in global energy and climate policy, clean energy development, geopolitical developments, AI and data centers, electricity transmission and power systems, and related program areas of interest.
Researches and contributes writing to reports, analysis, thought pieces, and multimedia products.
Contributes to multiple collaborative research projects.
Represents the Program and the Director at meetings, workshops, and public or private events.
Other tasks as assigned by the Director.

Additional duties for the Associate Fellow

Writing publications as sole author on a frequency schedule.
Responding to media and key stakeholder requests.
Contribute to grants, concept papers, and project proposals.

Administrative Duties

Provides task management, including coordination of publications, events, and related project deliverables.
Ensures timely execution of regular internal and external communications regarding project assignments.
Works with the Program to organize and execute meetings, conferences, workshops, and other logistics as needed.
Other tasks as assigned by the Director.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

2-3 years of direct experience in the energy and climate sector.
Demonstrated knowledge of energy and climate policy, particularly with the relevant U.S. executive agencies and U.S. Congress.
Bachelor's or master's degree or equivalent related work experience in the field.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from constituency groups and the general public.
Possess an entrepreneurial mindset and be able to work well independently and in teams.
Sound judgment and creative outlook.

Additional skills and education for the Associate Fellow

Minimum of 4 or more years of relevant experience and substantive familiarity with energy and climate policy.
Demonstrated ability to effectively present information in a public setting.
Track record of success working in highly collaborative, team-based environments, with a commitment to professional development and mentoring.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The job frequently requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Equal Opportunity Employer.