ArcGIS Geospatial Researcher

ArcGIS Geospatial Researcher – Institute for the Study of War

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is seeking a full-time ArcGIS Geospatial Researcher, with a maritime focus.

About ISW:

As the world continues to witness the devastating impact of armed conflict, the need for objective, real-time, unbiased analysis has never been greater. When decision-makers need information—from policymakers to humanitarian aid organizations to military leaders on the ground—time and time again, they turn to the Institute for the Study of War.

ISW has a unique, dual mission: to provide real-time intelligence to help leaders make informed decisions in conflict zones around the world and educate the next generation of national security leaders. This work is carried out through the General Jack Keane Center for National Security and the General David H. Petraeus Center for Emerging Leaders.

Position Summary:

ISW promotes an understanding of war and conflict by providing data and critical analysis to key American political and military leaders. In addition, ISW seeks to educate civilians about war and conflict, thus bridging the gaps between military and civilian decision-makers. ISW aims to improve how the United States formulates and executes its national security policy. ISW is vigilant at monitoring crises around the world and has a track record of accurately predicting potential and actual conflicts. ISW provides a proven platform for emerging researchers and analysts to launch their careers in an innovative and highly relevant project.

ISW is seeking a full-time ArcGIS Geospatial Researcher to support ISW’s conflict mapping program and geospatial analysis of ongoing conflicts and national security threats. ISW’s recent maps of Russian military operations in Ukraine have reached millions of people and have been featured in prestigious print and broadcasting media and are used by government, military, and humanitarian organizations. ISW also conducts geospatial analysis within its other portfolios, including the Middle East and China.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct expert geospatial analysis on dynamic conflicts by synthesizing multiple open-source information on political and security developments.
• Compiles, manipulates, and analyzes geospatial data.
• Develop proficiency in data-driven analytic software platforms, particularly ArcGIS, to support investigations through geospatial analysis and mapping.
• Utilize ISW’s partnerships with satellite imagery and remote sensing companies to enhance research capabilities.
• Provide research support for long-term projects and forecasts, collaborating with team members as required.
• Mentor and manage interns, fostering their professional growth within the field.
• Provides GIS training to other personnel.
• Assist in editing and producing intelligence products to uphold institutional standards.
• Ensure compliance with proper data-handling and storage guidelines throughout all research activities.
• Designs, develops, and maintains databases and system of GIS data.
• Develops reports, maps, applications, and visualizations convening the results of spatial analyses.
• Utilizes scripting languages to refine GIS data pipelines and processes.
• Provides visual interpretations of data, including geographic analysis, pattern analysis, and suitability analysis.

Required education and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to ISW's core mission and research agenda.
• The applicant must possess excellent working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS at a minimum.

• The applicant must have experience working on geospatial analysis and problem sets that synthesize data from multiple sources.
• The applicant must have the ability to refine requirements and to determine, with other analysts, the best technology for a job.
• The applicant must possess creative problem-solving skills.
• The applicant must be able to independently develop and manage proprietary datasets.
• Skills in raster analysis and satellite imagery analysis are required.
• Experience in GIS application development is a plus.
• Python knowledge is a plus.
• Critical language skills (Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, Persian, etc.) is a plus.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Compensation will be commensurate with work experience. To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a CV, and an academic/professional writing sample here.