Application Guide
How to Apply for Geopolitics Researcher [Remote - Part Time]
at Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Taiwan Studies
🏢 About Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Taiwan Studies
The Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Taiwan Studies (CAPSTSTW) is a nonprofit research organization that bridges expert insights with academic analysis to produce policy-oriented research on global political affairs, U.S. politics, and Asia-Pacific security. Unlike larger think tanks, CAPSTSTW offers a nimble, remote-first environment where researchers can directly contribute to high-impact policy discussions. Working here means joining a mission-driven team focused on one of the world's most critical and dynamic regions.
About This Role
As a part-time Geopolitics Researcher, you will conduct in-depth political and geopolitical research on assigned regions or themes, assist with expert interviews, and produce structured research notes and detailed analysis reports. You will also monitor ongoing regional and global political developments to provide timely contextual insights. This role is ideal for someone who wants to shape policy debates on Asia-Pacific security while enjoying the flexibility of remote, project-based work.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve monitoring news and political developments across the Asia-Pacific, drafting a research note on a emerging security issue, and preparing questions for an upcoming expert interview. You might also spend time synthesizing interview transcripts into actionable insights for a larger policy report, all while coordinating remotely with the research team. The work is flexible but deadline-driven, with a focus on producing high-quality, timely analysis.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Taiwan Studies Is Looking For
- Holds a degree in political science, international relations, or a related field, with a strong academic foundation in geopolitics.
- Has demonstrated research and analytical skills, including experience synthesizing complex information into clear, policy-relevant outputs.
- Possesses excellent English writing abilities, with the capacity to produce structured research notes and detailed reports under tight deadlines.
- Is based in the United States, Europe, or Latin America, and has familiarity with regional or global geopolitics—especially Asia-Pacific or U.S. foreign policy.
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Taiwan Studies
Tailor your resume to highlight research projects, publications, or reports that relate directly to Asia-Pacific security, U.S. politics, or geopolitics—CAPSTSTW values policy-oriented work.
Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to produce structured, analytical research notes or policy briefs, as this is a core part of the role.
In your application, explicitly state your geographic base (U.S., Europe, or Latin America) and any regional expertise, as the organization is specifically seeking researchers in these areas.
Mention your availability and capacity for part-time, project-based work, and express interest in long-term collaboration if you are open to it.
If you have experience conducting or assisting with expert interviews, highlight this in your cover letter or resume, as it is a key responsibility.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific regional or thematic expertise (e.g., Asia-Pacific security, U.S.-China relations, Latin America's role in global politics) and how it aligns with CAPSTSTW's focus.", 'Concrete examples of policy-oriented research you have conducted, including the methods used and the impact of your analysis.', 'Your ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a remote, part-time setting, with evidence from past projects.', "Your interest in long-term collaboration and how you can contribute to the center's ongoing research initiatives."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review CAPSTSTW's published research, reports, and policy briefs to understand their analytical style, thematic focus, and key audiences.
- → Investigate the backgrounds of the organization's leadership and researchers to identify shared interests or potential connections.
- → Follow recent developments in Asia-Pacific security, U.S. foreign policy, and Taiwan-related issues to be prepared for topical discussions.
- → Look into the center's partnerships, funders, or events to understand its position within the broader policy community.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention Asia-Pacific security, U.S. politics, or the specific regions CAPSTSTW focuses on.
- Failing to provide a writing sample or evidence of policy-oriented research, which is critical for this role.
- Ignoring the part-time, project-based nature of the position and not addressing your availability or interest in flexible work.
- Overlooking the requirement to be based in the U.S., Europe, or Latin America—applicants from other regions may be automatically disqualified.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Taiwan Studies!