The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) seeks to hire several full-time team members as we continue to expand. CSR is open to a range of experience levels for these positions, though we are seeking strong subject matter expertise in the relevant issue areas as a leading requirement.  

Biological Security Position(s) 

CSR is seeking one or more full-time team members to advance our work in addressing biological threats. Depending on the experiences and skills of selected individuals, and the composition of the full team as it continues to grow, individuals filling these roles will be responsible for leading or assisting in the following types of activities:

• Helping CSR drive progress in reducing biological risks from deliberate, natural, and accidental sources, particularly based on how the geopolitical environment and security perceptions evolve.
• Conducting outreach with key stakeholders to understand their goals and needs, and to promote CSR ideas for reducing biological threats. This will include regular discussions with stakeholders from the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch, other nations, international organizations, and others.
• Conducting research and analysis on biological weapons and biological dual-use research risks and advancing ideas for addressing these risks.
• Writing and editing reports, op-eds, and quick turn-around blog posts; and helping to develop podcasts, webinars, and other products to facilitate public and private outreach.
• Planning and executing meetings, events, and workshops to maximize impact.
• Contributing to project management.
• Participating in public speaking and media relations.
• Contributing to fundraising efforts and maintaining strong relationships with funders.
• Contributing to social media efforts.

The ideal candidates will have:

• A strong working knowledge of international security issues and trends
• Expertise in and passion for addressing biological risks
• Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• A combination of experience relevant to the roles identified above and/or an advanced degree 
• Interest in, or knowledge related to, addressing other systemic risks (e.g., nuclear and chemical weapons risks, climate and ecological security risks) helpful but not required
• Location at least part time in Washington, DC, or the ability to travel there when needed

Ecological Disruption and Security Dynamics Position 

CSR also seeks a full-time staff member with expertise in ecological disruption and security dynamics to help grow our Ecological Security Program. Depending on the experiences and skills of selected individuals, and the composition of the full team as it continues to grow, individuals filling this role will be responsible for leading or assisting in the following types of activities:

• Helping CSR continue to grow its Ecological Security Program, which is focused on understanding and addressing security risks posed by ecological disruption and its deep intersections with climate change. 
• Contributing to ongoing research and original analysis to deepen the world’s ecological security knowledge base, potentially including topics such as:
  • Pathways from ecological disruption to conditions of insecurity and collapse; 
  • Concerns and mitigation plans regarding the connections between ecological change and biological risks;
  • Societal disruptions that could arise from certain ecological regime shifts and tipping points; and  
  • Region-specific case studies that include an examination of social capacities for managing ecological and climate stress. 
• Writing and editing reports, op-eds, and quick turn-around blog posts; and helping to develop podcasts, webinars, and other products to facilitate public and private outreach.
• Planning and executing meetings, events, and workshops to maximize impact. 
• Helping to grow and manage CSR’s ecological security working group and fellowship program.
• Contributing to the program’s communications strategy.
• Leading the development of ecological security predictive tools and capabilities including through expert elicitation and strategic foresight methods. 
• Driving fundraising efforts and maintaining strong relationships with funders.
• Participating in public speaking and media relations.
• Contributing to project management.

The ideal candidates will have:

• Expertise in climate change and other ecological risks, perhaps including but not limited to marine issues, species extinction, land use change, pollution, zoonotic disease, wildlife crime, and ecological tipping points
• A strong working knowledge of international security issues and trends
• Interest in, or knowledge related to, multifaceted crises and converging risks work
• Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• A combination of experience relevant to the roles identified above and/or an advanced degree 
• Location at least part time in Washington, DC, or the ability to travel there when needed

Team-Building Responsibilities

All positions for which CSR is recruiting will entail organizational responsibilities such as:

• Participating in strategic evaluation, development, and personnel processes for CSR.
• Helping to create a multidisciplinary, silo-busting environment.
• Helping to advance CSR’s diversity and inclusivity goals.
• Taking on other responsibilities that may be requested, as CSR’s interdisciplinary environment requires flexibility and an interest in working across a variety of international security issues.

Compensation

CSR’s pay band for candidates hired at the Fellow level will be $78,000-$114,000, based on the qualifications and experience levels of the applicants, and above if any successful candidates are brought in at higher levels. CSR’s current benefits include health insurance with employer coverage of 70% of premium costs and a range of plan options; a 403(b) retirement plan for which CSR matches employee contributions dollar for dollar up to 6% of their salary, with no vesting delay; and 21 full days of leave and 3 sick days, in addition to observing all U.S. federal holidays.  

CSR has a highly flexible work environment with members of our team spanning the United States and the world. Outside of specific meetings and events (when they may be conducted safely) remote working is our norm. 

CSR also aims to help its team members develop and expand skills required for success in their work and expects there will be opportunities for growth. Depending on CSR’s future expansion, as well as the skills and interests of the candidates hired, there may also be opportunities to work across a range of systemic and catastrophic risk areas over time. 

Additional compensation and benefits details can be discussed during the interview process or via outreach to CSR. 

For the biological security position(s), apply at this link here. 
For the ecological security position, apply at this link here.

CSR will accept and evaluate applications on a rolling basis.

CSR is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee, job applicant, subcontractor, prospective subcontractor, volunteer or prospective volunteer on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.