Iran Analyst, Critical Threats Project

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking a full-time Iran Analyst for its Critical Threats Project (CTP) to conduct independent research and support foreign policy scholarship. The role focuses on analyzing Iran’s security and foreign policy activities, mentoring interns, and contributing to research projects.

What you'll do:

• Research, conduct analysis, and write for CTP reports, updates, and other analytical products related to Iran’s internal dynamics, internal and external security, and foreign policy activities, including the country’s military capabilities, regional influence, and soft-power outreach. Work with colleagues in a professional manner to complete time-sensitive written products
• Perform library, online, bibliographic, and investigative research using English and Farsi language skills under the guidance of more experienced researchers and in collaboration with other analysts at CTP and its research partner, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)
• Select, train, and mentor interns. Oversee interns’ work on daily open-source intelligence collection and research projects. Lead training sessions and refine ongoing education programs
• Contribute to technology partnership projects, test new tools, provide feedback, and integrate changes into the research workflow
• Collaborate on projects with CTP and ISW staff to accomplish long-term research goals and advance the CTP team’s overall mission
• Cooperate and collaborate with departmental staff working on Iran-related issues
• Assist with administrative tasks and planning to support the team’s mission
• Post recurring publications on criticalthreats.org. Posting duties are shared on a rotating basis among team members and typically occur in the evening, about once per week, and sometimes on weekends

What they're looking for:

• A bachelor's degree (required)
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience (required); previous internship experience (strongly preferred)
• A demonstrated interest in international relations, Iran, the Middle East, or defense policy
• Working proficiency in Persian (Farsi) (required)
• Critical thinking skills, strong technological instincts, and receptiveness to feedback
• Strong initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently
• An interest in mentoring and developing interns
• Previous internship experience (strongly preferred)

Benefits:

• 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays)
• 12 days of paid sick leave
• Paid family leave
• Medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account
• Medical and dependent care FSA
• A tuition assistance program of up to $5,200
• Life and disability insurance at no cost to employees
• A 403b retirement plan with a contribution from AEI