Job Description

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

The Research Associate will support the work of the senior fellow and director of international economics in the areas of international economics, foreign policy, and history.

The start date for this position is July 2026 This position is based in CFR’s New York City office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Research specific areas as requested by the fellow, including archival and other work for a book the fellow is writing,
• Carry out quantitative data analysis and summarize research findings,
• Help coordinate the work of interns,
• Assist in the regular updating of online economics trackers covering monetary policy, growth, trade, sovereign risk, energy, global imbalances, and central bank currency swaps,
• Prepare graphics for presentations,
• Format blog posts for publication,
• Manage the fellow’s CFR website presence and communications with content subscribers,
• Coordinate events, including preparing invitations and travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, and assembling background papers and materials for distribution,
• Provide administrative support to the fellow, including handling correspondence, scheduling, and responding to requests for information,
• Assist in managing budgets, tracking monthly statements, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement,
• Provide support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Degree in economics, or politics/international relations with significant coursework in economics
• 1+ year related research and administrative experience

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Outstanding research, quantitative, and writing skills
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Strong proofreading and editing skills
• Excellent computer skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and AI. Experience with Bloomberg data analysis valuable.
• Reading ability in Mandarin desirable, but not necessary

Required Application Materials

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter explaining 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, CFR provides employees with 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.