About The National Bureau of Asian Research

NBR is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.

With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, we tackle those critical issues that America's leaders need to understand - because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation's Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.

This is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a group of high performing, dedicated, and friendly colleagues.

Project Associate, Political and Security Affairs

The Project Associate for the Technology and Geoeconomic Affairs group (TGA) provides project support for NBR’s portfolio of research projects focusing on technology, trade, and economic issues across the Indo-Pacific region. Reporting to the TGA Senior Project Manager, the project associate is a stepping-stone position intended to prepare the Associate for a Project Manager-level role.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Liaise with project experts, manage project deadlines, and assist in monitoring budgets. Prepare written project materials including web content and grant reports. Coordinate project documentation with Project Managers and Directors.
• Project Development: Assist with development of project concepts and grant proposals.
• Research Support: Provide substantive research assistance for project teams and scholars.
• Publications Support: Review, edit, format, and fact-check project publications, providing valuable feedback to enhance the quality of NBR’s content.
• Event Support: Support team events (conferences, workshops, presentations, and briefings) by drafting agendas, coordinating invitations, assisting with travel, accommodation, and venue arrangements.
• Database Administration: Manage and update project databases to ensure the efficient organization and accessibility of project-related information.
• Participate actively in and support various NBR activities and initiatives as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Asia Studies, international relations, foreign policy, economics, trade or technology policy, or other relevant discipline.
• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working on AI or cybersecurity policy, digital regulations, or U.S.-Indo-Pacific economic security and tech cooperation.
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of U.S.-Asia relations and Asian economic, trade, or technology issues and their policy implications.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Experience planning and executing events, ideally including large-scale conferences or convenings that require coordinating international travel.
• Self-motivated with ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with an Asian language.
• Master's Degree in relevant field.

Application Instructions

The application period for this position will close on November 29, 2026, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To apply, submit the following materials with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Cover letter summarizing your experience as it applies to the outlined responsibilities and qualifications.
• Resume
• Recent 3-5 page writing sample that has not been edited by anyone else.

As you progress through the screening and interview process, please be prepared to provide the following:

• Contact information for 3 professional and/or academic references (Will not be contacted until final interview stage).

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position based in our Washington, DC office. Full-Time staff are expected to work in-office at least two days per week. The expected pay range for the Project Associate position is $23 to $24 per hour, depending on education.

This full-time position includes medical, dental and vision benefits for employees and their family, company contributions to an FSA or HSA, and paid time off. NBR's paid time off includes 10 days of vacation (awarded as 3.33 hours per pay period), 25 paid company holidays per year, (including 2 floating holidays), up to 56 hours of paid sick leave (pro-rated if joining mid-year), and 2 days of paid professional development leave. Additionally, NBR offers 4-weeks of paid Sabbatical leave for all full-time staff after every 5 years of service. NBR covers 80% of employees' Public Transit commuting costs.

NBR is committed to a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We're an equal opportunity employer and strive to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy or parental status, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry, or national origin, disability, or other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with applicable law.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during either the application or the recruiting process, please email your request to [email protected].