Project Associate, Technology and Geoeconomic Affairs at The National Bureau of Asian Research – Washington, District of Columbia

About The National Bureau of Asian Research

NBR is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.

With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, we tackle those critical issues that America's leaders need to understand - because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation's Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.

This is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a group of high performing, dedicated, and friendly colleagues.

The Project Associate for the Technology and Geoeconomic Affairs group (TGA) provides project support for NBR’s portfolio of research projects focusing on technological, economic, and energy security issues across the Indo-Pacific region. Reporting to the TGA Assistant Director, the project associate is a stepping-stone position intended to prepare the Associate for a Project Manager-level role.

This is a paid, full-time position (40hrs/wk) expected to last 12 months, with the potential to extend up to an additional 12 months, depending on performance and institutional need.

Responsibilities

Project Associates work to support TGA projects and initiatives under the direction and supervision of a Project Manager or Director.

• Project Management: Liaise with project experts, manage project deadlines, and assist in monitoring budgets. Prepare written project materials including web-content and grant reports. Coordinate project documentation with Project Managers and Directors.
• Project Development: Assist with development of project concepts and grant proposals.
• Research Support: Provide substantive research assistance for project teams and scholars, including summarizing research papers and undertaking literature reviews.
• Publications Support: Review, edit, format, and fact-check project publications, providing valuable feedback to enhance the quality of NBR’s content.
• Event Support: Support team events (conferences, workshops, presentations, and briefings) by drafting agendas, coordinating invitations, assisting with travel, accommodation, and venue arrangements.
• Staff Management: Assist Project Managers and Directors with management of interns and fellows by delegating tasks, setting deadlines, and communicating expectations.
• Database Administration: Manage and update project databases to ensure the efficient organization and accessibility of project-related information.
• Participate actively in and support various NBR activities and initiatives as required.

Qualifications

Project Associates have knowledge of a range of countries and issues in the Indo-Pacific and understand each project's scope/relevance in order to work effectively with scholars and other stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in Asia Studies, international relations, foreign policy, economics, trade policy, or other relevant discipline.
• At least 1 year of research assistance and/or administrative support experience in the U.S.-Asia policy field.
• Experience working on AI, cybersecurity, digital regulation, energy technology, critical minerals, economic security, or energy security policy issues; or U.S.-Japan or U.S.-Korea tech and economic cooperation.
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of U.S.-Asia relations and Asian economic, trade, technology, or energy security issues and their policy implications.
• Excellent research and communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• • Master’s degree or current Master’s candidate.
  • Reading and research proficiency in an Asian language, particularly Japanese or Korean.

Application Instructions

The application period for this position will close on 4/6/26; however, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning 3/16/26. To apply, submit the following materials with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Cover letter summarizing your experience as it applies to the outlined responsibilities and qualifications.
• Resume
• Recent 3-5 page writing sample that has not been edited by anyone else.

As you progress through the screening and interview process, please be prepared to provide the following:

• Contact information for 3 professional and/or academic references (Will not be contacted until final interview stage).

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position based in our Washington, DC office. Full-Time staff are expected to work in-office at least two days per week. The expected pay range for this position is $23.00-$23.75 per hour, depending on level of education.

This full-time position includes paid time off, including 10 days of paid time off (awarded as 3.33 hours each pay period), 25 paid company holidays each year, (including 2 floating holidays), up to 56 hours of paid sick leave (pro-rated for mid-year hires), and 2 days of paid professional development leave, per year. Additionally, NBR offers 4-weeks of paid Sabbatical leave for all full-time staff after every 5 years of service. NBR covers 80% of employees' Public Transit commuting costs.

NBR is committed to a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We're an equal opportunity employer and strive to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy or parental status, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry, or national origin, disability, or other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during either the application or the recruiting process, please email your request to employment@nbr.org.