Research Assistant - Gulf and Energy Program

This Research Assistant (RA) will work with The Washington Institute’s Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy (Gulf/Energy) team, where they will support research on a variety of topics related the conservative Arab Gulf states and the key role these countries play collectively as a primary source of the world’s oil and natural gas. The RA will provide both research and administrative support by tracking news developments; compiling maps, databases, and other interactive tools; organizing events; and undertaking other research tasks. Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time.

In addition, this RA will spend approximately 50% of their time supporting the work of TWI Research Director, Dana Stroul. Her research generally covers Middle East issues of high strategic importance for the United States.

The Gulf/Energy RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in 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. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The Gulf/Energy RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the Gulf/Energy team and Dana Stroul. Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2026.