Research Analyst

Applicants will be considered based on their knowledge, skills or abilities related to project needs. Specifically, applicants should: Demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, assess, and synthesize information from varity of sources Excellent written communication and technical writing abilities Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project-based opportunity to support Federal missions, gaining hands-on experience & valuable career-ready skills. Students must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or other accredited educational institution, & participation must be with the permission of the institution at which the student is enrolled.

• This vacancy announcement will be open from May 11, 2026 to May 15, 2026 or when 25 applications have been received. The vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. The student volunteer will conduct research and analysis on cross-cutting political issues in the Western Hemisphere, selecting from several possible project areas based on Bureau priorities and student interests. Project options include: (1) mapping external actor engagement (China, Russia, Iran) across the region through publicly available diplomatic, economic, and cultural data; (2) tracking U.S. congressional legislation related to Western Hemisphere issues and creating a searchable database with biweekly summary reports; (3) compiling a comparative analysis of how WHA countries designate and legislate against transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), identifying legislative frameworks and gaps; or (4) researching and mapping publicly reported cartel structures and transnational linkages in Latin America using open-source information. Each project involves research using publicly available sources, data compilation and visualization, preparation of summary briefs or reports, and creation of reference tools such as databases, annotated bibliographies, or visual maps. This 10-12 week project will provide the student with valuable exposure to Western Hemisphere security issues, strategic competition dynamics, legislative processes, and policy research skills under the guidance of a designated WHA/PPC officer. The final deliverables will support WHA's policy planning efforts by providing accessible reference tools and analytical summaries on key regional challenges.