Research Analyst, China Program

RESEARCH ANALYST, CHINA PROGRAM

About the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

FDD is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute in Washington, DC, focused on national security and foreign policy. Since 2001, we've produced independent, non-partisan research and analysis to strengthen U.S. national security and support free societies.

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a full-time research analyst for its China Program, with a primary focus on China's expanding role in the Middle East. The successful applicant will have strong research and analytical skills, a demonstrated interest in Chinese foreign policy and Middle Eastern security, and the ability to produce policy-relevant analysis on how Beijing's growing regional presence affects U.S. national security interests.

The position offers an opportunity for an early-career researcher to develop expertise at the intersection of China, the Middle East, and U.S. foreign policy, working closely with FDD scholars across its China and Middle East programs.

Full-time | Reports to the Senior Director of FDD's China Program

Salary: $70,000-$80,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research & Analysis

• Research China's expanding diplomatic, economic, military, and technological relationships across the Middle East, with particular attention to Iran, the Gulf states, Israel, and other regional actors.
• Examine Chinese military and security cooperation in the region, including arms transfers, dual-use technologies, defense-industrial relationships, military exercises, and potential implications for U.S. forces and regional partners.
• Track Chinese investments and commercial activities involving strategic infrastructure, ports, telecommunications, energy, and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on their national security implications.
• Monitor Beijing's diplomatic engagement, regional influence activities, and relationships with governments and other actors across the Middle East.
• Conduct primary-source and open-source research using Chinese government publications, official statements, commercial records, regional reporting, and other publicly available materials.

Writing & Publications

• Draft research memos, background papers, congressional hearing materials, talking points, and other written products supporting the China Program's policy and media engagement.
• Contribute to publishable analysis, including policy briefs, articles, and op-eds, under the supervision of senior scholars.

Policy Engagement & Collaboration

• Support congressional testimony, policy briefings, and engagement with U.S. government officials and other national security stakeholders.
• Collaborate with scholars across FDD's China and Middle East programs on joint research projects and events.

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES:

• Bachelor's degree required in international relations, political science, Middle Eastern studies, China studies, security studies, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.
• Approximately 2-3 years of relevant professional experience preferred, including policy research, government, think tanks, or related national security work. Relevant internships and graduate-level research may also be considered.
• Demonstrated research and writing experience, ideally including published analysis or substantive research on China, Middle Eastern security, or related foreign policy issues.
• Familiarity with Middle Eastern political and security dynamics, particularly involving Iran, the Gulf states, or regional military affairs, strongly preferred.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex developments into clear, concise, policy-relevant analysis.
• Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with a broader research team.
• Experience with open-source research, government documents, or regional security analysis preferred.
• Chinese language proficiency is an asset but not required. Arabic or Persian language skills are also welcome.
• Early-career candidates with relevant academic research, internships, or professional experience are encouraged to apply.

This role has a projected salary band of $70,000-$80,000 per year, based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Additional benefits are available, including healthcare coverage based on eligibility.

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, writing sample, and brief cover letter describing (1) your research, academic, internship, or professional experience related to China's foreign policy, Middle Eastern security, or their intersection and (2) your interest in FDD's mission. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit to FDD Human Resources (hr2@fdd.org)

FDD is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position, please contact Jean Thurman at jean@fdd.org or (202) 207-0190.

For more information, please visit FDD.org and follow FDD on X @FDD.