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.

The research associate will work under the direction of the senior fellow for history and foreign policy. This position is based in CFR’s New York 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 when all staff are required to be onsite.

In addition to a résumé and cover letter, applicants should submit one writing sample in one of the "cover letter or writing sample" fields on their candidate profile. The sample should be no longer than five pages total (it can be an excerpt from something longer). As for what to choose for a writing sample, applicants should pick their strongest work, no matter the topic. Ideally, the sample should consist of writing that was NOT edited or published by an outlet. 

• Conducting research on specific topics as requested by the fellow, particularly with regard to China and Russia
• Assisting with fact-checking, editing, and formatting for the fellow’s writing projects, which include a book and various articles
• Providing administrative support to the fellow, including managing travel, coordinating with external organizations, handling correspondence, and responding to requests for information
• Coordinating events, including preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping prepare background papers, and providing other logistical support
• Assisting in managing the program’s finances, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement
• Providing support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request
• Assisting the fellow with social media outreach as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, history, economics, area studies, or another similar field, with a superb undergraduate academic record
• Advanced language skills in Mandarin Chinese and/or Russian, with the ability to analyze and translate complex written material
• Strong writing and editing skills in English
• Top-notch research skills, including the ability to track down obscure sources
• Familiarity with Cold War and post–Cold War history and U.S. foreign policy
• Exceptional organizational skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and tasks independently and under deadlines
• Related experience in a job or internship

Pay Range

$55,000 to $58,000 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.