Application Guide

How to Apply for Deputy Director & Fellow - Critical Minerals Security Program

at Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

🏢 About Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

CSIS is a premier bipartisan think tank in Washington, D.C., known for its influential policy research and strategic insights on global security and economic issues. Working here offers the opportunity to shape U.S. policy on critical minerals, a rapidly growing national security priority, within a highly respected, nonpartisan environment.

About This Role

As Deputy Director & Fellow for the Critical Minerals Security Program, you will lead research and policy analysis on supply chain vulnerabilities, strategic dependencies, and geopolitical risks related to critical minerals. This role is impactful because it directly informs U.S. government decisions on resource security and energy transition, helping to reduce reliance on adversarial nations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting a policy brief on lithium supply risks, meeting with DOE officials to discuss upcoming legislation, and leading a team meeting to coordinate research on rare earth elements. You might also brief a congressional staffer or moderate a panel discussion with industry experts.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS) Is Looking For

  • Deep expertise in critical minerals, supply chain security, or energy policy, with a PhD or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
  • Proven track record of publishing policy-relevant research and engaging with government, industry, and international stakeholders.
  • Strong leadership and program management skills to oversee research teams and coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex technical issues for policy audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earths) and related policy work, not just general energy or security.

2

Submit a cover letter that explicitly connects your research to CSIS's mission and recent publications on critical minerals security.

3

Include a writing sample that demonstrates policy analysis, such as a briefing or op-ed on supply chain vulnerabilities.

4

Mention any existing relationships with relevant government agencies (e.g., DOE, DOD, State) or industry groups.

5

Apply early, as CSIS often reviews applications on a rolling basis for senior roles.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your specific knowledge of critical mineral supply chains and their national security implications.', 'Highlight any experience in leading research teams or programs, as this is a deputy director role.', "Demonstrate understanding of CSIS's work by referencing specific CSIS reports or events on critical minerals.", 'Show how your background aligns with the bipartisan, policy-focused approach of the institution.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read CSIS's recent reports on critical minerals, such as 'The Geopolitics of Critical Minerals' or 'Securing Supply Chains for Energy Transition.'
  • → Familiarize yourself with the key staff in the Energy Security and Climate Change Program, as this role likely collaborates with them.
  • → Review U.S. government strategies like the DOE's Critical Minerals Assessment and the White House's supply chain executive order.
  • → Understand CSIS's funding sources and how they maintain bipartisan credibility.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you prioritize research on different critical minerals given limited resources?
2 Describe a time you influenced a policy decision or government action related to supply chain security.
3 What are the biggest geopolitical risks to critical mineral supply chains in the next 5 years?
4 How would you engage with industry stakeholders to ensure research is grounded in real-world challenges?
5 How do you approach building consensus in a bipartisan think tank environment?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing CSIS's specific work on critical minerals.
  • Overemphasizing academic credentials without demonstrating policy impact or stakeholder engagement.
  • Ignoring the program management aspect of the role—this is not just a research position.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS)!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →