Employment
“The Institute has become a reservoir of talent.”
Since its founding in 1985, The Washington Institute has served as a training ground for future policymakers in both Democratic and Republican administrations. During its quarter-century history, an impressive array of talented scholars has been associated with the Institute. They have gone on to join government and help shape American foreign policy in the Middle East. At the same time, upon completion of their public service, some of the best minds from government are attracted to the Institute. This exchange of ideas and people with the executive branch is very much a part of The Washington Institute's effectiveness.
The Institute's prestigious intern and research assistant programs also provide a pathway for college graduates and graduate students to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. The Institute is proud of its interns and research assistants -- many of whom go on to serve in government and make their own contributions in the policy world.
Current employment opportunities include
- Soref Fellow
- Research Assistant
- Research Intern
The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Soref Fellow
The Washington Institute is seeking one or two Soref Fellows. Applicants are urged to apply soon for positions which would start in coming months.
Research proposals should be about a topic relevant to U.S. Middle East policymakers. Candidates who do not duplicate expertise of existing Institute staff members are much preferred. Egypt, Syria, and the economics of the Middle East are of particular interest in 2020/21.
The Soref Fellow program offers an opportunity to consider pursuing a career in government or journalism rather than in academia. The fellowship is designed primarily for those who have recently earned a PhD; exceptionally well-qualified individuals with masters’ degrees will be considered, as will those with law or MBA degrees. The fellowship is not available as support while working on a dissertation. Applications are welcome from those with some years of experience post-degree, such as university assistant professors. Working knowledge of a regional knowledge sufficient for research purposes is much preferred; fluency is even better. Nationals of all countries may apply.
The stipend depends upon experience. Typically for someone who just received a PhD, the stipend would be about $4,500 a month, along with generous benefits. The fellowship is for up to one year. The Institute provides the services of a research assistant shared with another senior fellow. Soref fellows work out of the Institute’s offices in downtown Washington, D.C. Depending upon the research topic, the Institute is prepared to finance a research trip to the Middle East.
Soref fellows write for the Institute's PolicyWatch series and in most cases author a longer study the Institute publishes as a monograph. Fellows may be asked to speak on behalf of the Institute a few times at locations around the United States. The Institute’s communication staff will work with fellows to secure media interviews, to place op-ed articles in major outlets, and to have an active presence on social media.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis. An application should include a short resume, one or two research proposals (a few paragraphs are sufficient), a sample of scholarly work such as a thesis chapter, and if available a sample of writing for a broader audience even if the subject is not about the Middle East. Please email applications to Dr. Patrick Clawson, Director of Research, at pclawson@washingtoninstitute.org.
No phone calls please.
The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Research Assistant
Location: District of Columbia
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a leading non-profit, non-partisan research organization devoted exclusively to the study of U.S. policy in the Middle East, is seeking Research Assistants (RA’s) to support the think tank’s research programs.
The Institute offers a number of RA positions to college graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Research Assistants support senior scholars and visiting research fellows, participate in and support The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. Research Assistants report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director as well as their assigned research fellows.
Research Assistant positions are full-time, year-long, paid positions with benefits. This position is designed for recent college graduates. We accept applicants who have obtained their bachelor's degree only or a B.A. with 1-2 years of work experience. Candidates with near-native fluency in Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, or Turkish receive strong consideration. Please note that we do not sponsor visas for international applicants.
Research Assistant positions are full-time, year-long, paid positions plus benefits that begin in June of each year.
Research Assistant positions are full-time, year-long, paid positions plus benefits that begin in June of each year. Due to the COVID situation, there may be additional openings at the beginning of 2021 so additional applications will be considered in November, 2020. Otherwise, the standard application deadline will be February 1, 2021.
No phone calls please.
Application deadline: February 1, 2021
The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Research Intern
Full-time and part-time research internships at The Washington Institute are open to current undergraduates as well as recent graduates with a bachelor's degree. Interns provide research and administrative support to Institute staff. Internships are unpaid.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all fall internships will be conducted virtually. We are no longer accepting additional fall applications; please consider applying for the Spring term. If you have further questions, please email raintern@washingtoninstitute.org.
No phone calls please.
Winter/Spring (January-May 2021) application deadline: November 20, 2020
The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.