Research Assistant

Research Assistant 

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:

This is an entry-level position ideal for individuals seeking to build foundational experience in applied research and international security. As a Research Assistant within the Office for Research and Analysis at the Open Nuclear Network (www.opennuclear.org), you will support sophisticated research projects aimed at understanding and mitigating potential strategic conflicts and international security issues. You will assist in the development and execution of projects with data collection, analysis, and reporting, employing methods such as basic satellite imagery analysis, trade data interpretation, and technical and policy analysis. 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 28,641.60–33,000.00

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 5-10% internationally

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research and Analysis: Contribute to analytical products, under the guidance of senior staff.


• Data Support: Assist in gathering and analyzing data to support research projects.


• Report Assistance: Help in the creation of analytical reports, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and relevance for both internal and external stakeholders.


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


• Event Coordination Assistance: Contribute to project events, assisting in planning, logistics, and reporting for workshops, tabletop exercises, etc.


• Project Development: Contribute to research project conceptualization, planning, execution, reporting, editing, and communication of findings.


• Further Research Identification: Observe and assist in the identification of areas that require further research and contribute to the ideation and creation of proposals to address these knowledge gaps; assist in identification of potential funding streams to support the projects.


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


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


• 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 & engineering, data science); additional relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of this requirement.


• Experience: Entry-level position; any previous experience in think-tanks, NGOs, government, or international organizations is a plus.


• OSINT: Basic knowledge of open-source information analysis techniques and tools.


• International Security Analysis: Familiarity with analyzing regional or international geopolitical developments; familiarity with technical or security topics is preferred.


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


• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with IT tools, 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).

• Open-Source Analysis Expertise: Experience in any of the following specialized areas of open-source analysis is preferred:
  
  
  
  • 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 foundation in relevant processing software and techniques. 
  
  
  
  


• Technical and Data Management Skills: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, R, and others useful for data analysis and automation is desirable. Similarly, knowledge of AI/ML technologies, Large Language Models (LLMs), information management, and database design is a significant plus. 


• Analytical Skills: Knowledge of qualitative or quantitative analysis of international security issues is desirable.


• Specialized Knowledge: Knowledge of issues related to nuclear non-proliferation, radiological security, or other international security topics is desirable.


• International Security Topics: Knowledge of regional or international geopolitical developments is desirable.


• Project Management: Basic project and grant management knowledge is desirable.


• Event Coordination: Experience in contributing to project events, including assisting in 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