Research Associate, Europe Studies

Position Summary

CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country’s largest foreign policy think tanks with a widely respected and influential research staff.  The Studies Program aims to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.

 

As part of the Studies Program, the research associate will support two fellows, primarily focused on Europe. Areas of study include: Europe studies and areas of German and European foreign and security policy, transatlantic relations, Russia, European China policy, transatlantic relations, and European affairs.

 

This full-time position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change. 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Research specific topics as requested by fellows to support the publication of articles, books, and other products.
• Handle writing assignments, including writing research memos and editing blogs and articles.
• Provide administrative support to the fellows, including responding to media requests, arranging travel, and handling correspondence.
• Coordinate events, including preparing and sending invitations, scheduling, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support.
• Coordinate projects and related publications, including organizing workshops in Europe and the U.S. and managing the publication process
• Assist with managing finances, including preparing budgets and tracking monthly statements, monitoring grant information and writing reports and requests, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
• Assist fellows with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, website, video, and/or using social media applications such as Twitter, etc., as needed.
• Provide support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request.
• Any other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in international relations or a related field
• 1+ year(s) of related administrative and/or internship experience preferred

 

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Strong research, proofreading, and editing skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Reading, writing, and speaking proficiency in German or other European language preferred, but not required.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Required Application Materials

Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $55,000-$58,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a an outstanding benefits package.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.