Research Associate, Asia-Pacific Studies

CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country’s largest foreign policy think tanks with a widely respected and influential research staff. The Studies Program aims to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.

As part of the Studies Program, the research associate will support a fellow working on issues related to Japan, Korea, and the Asia-Pacific region.

This position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

• Providing logistical and administrative support to the fellow, including scheduling appointments, handling phone calls, travel arrangements, and drafting correspondence
• Researching specific areas for articles, book chapters, and other publications, as requested by the fellow
• Coordinating events logistics, including preparing invitations, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support
• Assisting with the drafting, proofreading, and editing of written material
• Assisting in managing budgets, including tracking monthly statements, monitoring grant information, writing reports and requests, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement
• Assisting the fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, and/or using social media applications, as needed.
• Providing support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in international relations, political science, economics, or related social sciences field, with high academic achievement; coursework in Japan studies required; master’s degree preferred
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills with outstanding attention to detail
• Japanese language proficiency required
• Korean language proficiency preferred, but not required
• Related administrative and/or internship experience preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, database management, and Twitter/X or other social media

Pay Range

$51,000 to $54,000 per year

Pay commensurate with experience and education

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR's 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.

The Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks candidates from a diverse background.