Research Analyst

Research Analyst

Organization Summary:

PAX sapiens is on a mission to prevent predictable global catastrophes. We use direct grantmaking and coordination tools such as convenings, conferences, and information sharing systems to advance human security and sustainable peace. In support of our mission, our focus areas include strengthening global systems for pandemic prevention, preventing nuclear war, and promoting better US-Chinese relationships in global fora specifically. We focus on hiring talented and impact-driven professionals who are passionate about driving positive change.

Primary Role:

As a Research Analyst within the Office for Research and Analysis at the Open Nuclear Network (www.opennuclear.org), you will participate in sophisticated research projects aimed at understanding and mitigating potential strategic conflicts and international security issues. You will substantially contribute to the development and execution of projects with data collection, research, analysis, and reporting, employing methods such as satellite imagery analysis, trade data interpretation, and technical and policy analysis. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to lead research products and sub-projects, including conceptualization, proposal, planning, coordination, research, drafting, and communicating findings, under the guidance of project principal investigators or Senior Analysts. Your expertise will enable you to contribute significantly to efforts to uncover and interpret underlying trends, mechanisms, and the risk of escalation to significant armed conflicts, including nuclear threats, and to assist in developing nuanced, actionable insights. By contributing to PAX sapiens Austria’s comprehensive research and analysis efforts, you will play a vital role in our mission to prevent strategic conflicts, including those that could escalate to nuclear weapons use.

Reports to:

Manager, Office for Research and Analysis, Open Nuclear Network

Job Type:

• Salaried


• Fixed-Term for up to 2 years, start date as soon as possible.


• This position is subject to external funding under a project running to October 2027.

Compensation:

The hiring range for this position is: EUR 45,000.00–59,750.00

Benefits:

• 25 paid vacation days a year


• 6 weeks of paid sick leave per year


• 13 national holidays


• EU-wide health and social insurance


• Hybrid in-office/work-from-home schedule


• Professional Development Funds


• Tuition Reimbursement Assistant

Location:

The role will be based in our Vienna, Austria, office. PAX sapiens Austria, a recognized International Non-Governmental Organization, welcomes applicants from across the world and can issue work permits to successful candidates regardless of their nationality and immigration status.

The office operates on a hybrid in-office/work-from-home model.

Travel: up to 15-20% internationally

Primary Responsibilities:

• Data Collection and Synthesis: Actively engage in gathering and interpreting data using a range of methods, such as satellite imagery, trade data interpretation, and technical and policy analysis, to support broader research project objectives.


• Open-Source Analysis: Apply advanced open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to extract valuable information from publicly available sources.


• Report Generation: Produce in-depth analytical reports that detail project findings, ensuring they are clear, concise, and actionable for both internal stakeholders and external partners.


• Communicate Findings: Articulate and communicate strategic insights to a wide range of stakeholders through mid-level presentations, briefings, meetings, and interviews.


• Lead Sub-Projects, Small-Scale Projects, and Products: With the support and guidance of senior staff, lead conceptualization, development, and implementation of project components (sub-projects), small-scale (limited input and output) projects, and analytical products from inception through to delivery. This includes developing sub-project and project plans, conducting rigorous analysis, and synthesizing findings into actionable insights.


• Project Management Assistance: Assist in data collection for project execution and expenditure tracking and reporting.


• Event Coordination: Contribute to or lead coordination of project events, including planning, logistics, and reporting for workshops, tabletop exercises, or other events.


• Further Research Identification: Identify areas that require further research, contribute to the ideation and creation of proposals to address these knowledge gaps, and identify potential funding streams to support the projects.


• Collaborative Efforts: Work closely with other Research Analysts, project leads, other ONN offices, and external partners to ensure a synergistic approach to research and analysis, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.


• Enhance Team Capability: Elevate the overall project team capacity by sharing best practices and instructing junior staff.


• Team Support: Assist with team administrative and information management tasks to ensure the efficient operation of research activities.


• Research Impact: Communicate project findings through participation in networking and socialization events, including presenting findings, chairing panels, and other stakeholder engagement.


• Additional Responsibilities: Undertake further duties, as requested.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills and Competences:

• Education: Advanced degree in a relevant field (i.e., political science, public policy, international relations, nuclear science and engineering, data science); additional relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of this requirement.


• Experience: 4+ years of applicable experience, preferably in think-tanks, NGOs, government, or international organizations.


• Analytical Skills: Solid foundation in qualitative or quantitative analysis of international security issues.


• OSINT: Demonstrated proficiency in open-source information analysis techniques and tools.


• Specialized Knowledge: Experience analyzing issues related to nuclear proliferation or radiological security.


• International Security Analysis: Experience with analyzing regional or international geopolitical developments; analysis of technical or security topics is preferred.


• Communication Skills: Strong English writing and oral communication skills.


• Technical Proficiency: Strong IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office.


• Interpersonal skills: Excellent ability to interact effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners.


• Ethical Conduct: Deep commitment to upholding ethical standards and moral conduct in all professional endeavors.


• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team.


• Strong commitment to PAX sapiens’ vision, principles, and values (paxsapiens.org).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Open-Source Analysis Expertise: Experience in at least one specialized area of open-source analysis, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Applying OSINT techniques to analyze issues of nuclear or radiological risks, proliferation, arms control, or disarmament.
  
  
  • Analyzing and countering disinformation through OSINT, and employing critical analysis to identify and mitigate the spread of false information.
  
  
  • Satellite imagery (electro-optical, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), multi-/hyperspectral) and geospatial data analysis, with a strong foundation in relevant processing software and techniques.
  
  
  
  


• Technical and Data Management Skills: While not a requirement, proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, R, and others useful for data analysis and automation is highly advantageous. Knowledge of AI/ML technologies or large language models (LLMs), demonstrating the ability to harness these tools for analytical purposes, is also desirable. Similarly, skills in information management and database design, facilitating effective organization and analysis of data, are considered a plus.


• Project Management: Knowledge related to project and grant management, including project execution and expenditure tracking and reporting; experience and certification are desirable.


• Event Coordination: Experience in crafting and coordinating project events, including guiding planning and logistics for workshops and tabletop exercises, is desirable.


• Language Skills: Proficiency in an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or any other language pertinent to key areas of strategic conflict is desirable.


• Global and Cultural Experience: Proven track record of effectively working across international boundaries and cultural contexts while employing culturally sensitive and appropriate approaches is desirable.

Physical Work Demands:

• Able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time.


• Able to bend at the waist and reach on a daily basis.


• Able to lift and move up to 25 lbs regularly.

At PAX sapiens, we celebrate diversity and welcome its benefits and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026