Iran Analyst - Critical Threats Project

Overview

The Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) produces detailed, objective analysis and forecasts of America’s core national security challenges and concrete recommendations to address them. CTP also trains the next generation of policymakers and intelligence analysts. Its granular, open-source publications assist government officials, the media, and the military and intelligence communities while informing the public about the nuance and scale of threats to America’s security.

AEI seeks a full-time, in-person analyst to advance CTP’s mission by conducting independent research, leading interns, and supporting foreign policy scholarship. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

This position’s primary focus will be Iran’s internal and external security and foreign policy activities, including the country’s military capabilities, regional influence, and soft-power outreach. Other responsibilities include selecting, training, and mentoring interns; intellectually contributing to research; providing feedback on technological innovation projects; and providing other research and administrative support as required.

The ideal candidate works well on agile, collaborative, hard-working teams; can adjust priorities in response to changing research and publication needs; and possesses excellent research, writing, task management, communication, and organizational skills. A demonstrated interest in foreign and defense policy and strong technological instincts are required. Analysts interact with a bespoke research database daily and use cutting-edge technology to complete research. Working proficiency in Persian (Farsi) is required.

The CTP team operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is responsive to crises in the areas it covers. An excellent candidate welcomes challenges and will embrace his or her role in achieving CTP’s mission.

AEI offers a stimulating and collegial work environment and excellent benefits. Qualified applicants should submit an online application complete with a resume, cover letter, transcripts, and 500-word writing sample on a topic related to the position. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Disclaimer for Candidates: To maintain transparency and integrity in the interview process for this position, the use of AI is prohibited. Candidates who use AI to generate application materials, assessments, or interview responses will be disqualified from further consideration. AEI reserves the right to use tools that assess whether AI was used by candidates to produce written application or interview materials and consider the results as a part of the interview process. 

Responsibilities

• Core Responsibilities
• • Research, conduct analysis, and write for CTP reports, updates, and other analytical products related to Iran’s internal dynamics, internal and external security, and foreign policy activities, including the country’s military capabilities, regional influence, and soft-power outreach. Work with colleagues in a professional manner to complete time-sensitive written products.
  • Perform library, online, bibliographic, and investigative research using English and Farsi language skills under the guidance of more experienced researchers and in collaboration with other analysts at CTP and its research partner, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
  • Select, train, and mentor interns. Oversee interns’ work on daily open-source intelligence collection and research projects. Lead training sessions and refine ongoing education programs.
  • Contribute to technology partnership projects, test new tools, provide feedback, and integrate changes into the research workflow.
  • Collaborate on projects with CTP and ISW staff to accomplish long-term research goals and advance the CTP team’s overall mission.
• Additional Responsibilities
• • Cooperate and collaborate with departmental staff working on Iran-related issues.
  • Assist with administrative tasks and planning to support the team’s mission.
  • Post recurring publications on criticalthreats.org. Posting duties are shared on a rotating basis among team members and typically occur in the evening, about once per week, and sometimes on weekends.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is expected to regularly stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree (required)
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience (required); previous internship experience (strongly preferred)
• A demonstrated interest in international relations, Iran, the Middle East, or defense policy
• Working proficiency in Persian (Farsi) (required)
• Critical thinking skills, strong technological instincts, and receptiveness to feedback
• Strong initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently
• An interest in mentoring and developing interns

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $53,000-$60,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.