ABOUT THE THINK TANK

Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) is a non-profit public policy organisation based in New Delhi. We are a dynamic and forward-thinking research institution committed to advancing innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. We conduct rigorous research, shape evidence-based policy and foster thought leadership by bringing together experts from government, academia, industry and civil society.

Our core research areas include programmes focused on Climate Change and Energy Transition, Economy and Trade, and Geopolitics and Strategic Studies.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Centre for Geopolitics and Strategic Studies at CRF seeks to shape understanding of international dynamics through policy-relevant research, innovative thought leadership and informed public debate.

The Centre is accepting applications for the role of a Fellow specialising in the Americas, with demonstrable expertise on the United States and substantive engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean and Canada.

The Fellow will report directly to the respective Centre Head and is expected to lead initiatives; conduct, publish and promote in-depth, high-quality public policy research; convene public and private events; engage a wide range of stakeholders; and contribute to policy-relevant publications.

RESEARCH AREAS (All in Context of India)

United States domestic politics, foreign policy, national security and global strategy, including their implications for India and the Indo-Pacific.
India-United States relations across defence and security, technology, trade and investment, energy, education, mobility and people-to-people ties.
Political, economic and strategic developments in Latin America and the Caribbean, including India's bilateral and regional engagement.
Canada's domestic and foreign policy, its role in North America and the Indo-Pacific, and the evolving India-Canada relationship.
Inter-American and hemispheric dynamics, including regional institutions, great-power competition, supply chains, critical minerals, energy transition, technology and development partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Management

Develop and maintain in-depth expertise on political, economic and strategic developments across the Americas and their implications for India.
Develop and lead a coherent research programme on India's engagement with the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.
Produce scholarly publications, policy papers, reports, books, briefs, opinion pieces and timely analytical commentary.
Track major political, economic, electoral and security developments across the region and translate them into policy-relevant analysis.
Lead meetings, conferences, roundtables, and Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues involving stakeholders from India and the Americas.
Develop evidence-based policy recommendations and communicate complex findings clearly to specialist and general audiences.
Synthesize large amounts of information, undertake qualitative analysis and deliver research to deadline.

Communication:

Represent CRF at conferences and contribute to public discourse through print, broadcast and digital media.
Engage scholars, policymakers, diplomats, government officials, businesses, foundations and civil-society organisations in India and across the Americas.
Build institutional partnerships and networks that strengthen CRF's research, events and outreach on the region.

Leadership:

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across CRF, fostering a culture of intellectual rigour, innovation and excellence.
Contribute to institutional development, project and grant proposals, and the management of research initiatives.
Mentor junior researchers and staff, sharing regional and thematic expertise to strengthen the research team.

Qualifications and Skills

Ph.D. or equivalent advanced research qualification in International Relations, Political Science, American Studies, Latin American Studies, Canadian Studies, Area Studies, International Political Economy, Security Studies or a closely related discipline.
At least 10 years of relevant experience in research, teaching, policy analysis, government, diplomacy, think tanks or comparable institutions.
Demonstrated primary expertise on the United States, together with a credible record of research or policy engagement on Latin America and the Caribbean and/or Canada.
A strong record of high-quality publications and the ability to produce both scholarly work and accessible policy analysis.
Sound understanding of India's foreign policy and its political, economic and strategic engagement with the Americas.
Strong analytical, writing, public-speaking and media-engagement skills.
Ability to interact constructively with individuals and institutions representing diverse perspectives on foreign policy and national security.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success in collaborative, team-based environments.

DESIRABLE

Established professional or institutional networks in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, or Canada.
Field research, archival research, teaching, professional experience or sustained policy engagement in one or more countries of the Americas.
Working proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese or French.
Experience managing research teams, projects, budgets, grants or externally funded programmes.

WHAT WE OFFER

A platform to pursue policy-relevant research on the Americas within CRF's institutional priorities and approval processes.
Exposure to policy-relevant, high-impact research and direct engagement with policy and strategic communities in India and abroad.
A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
A clear pathway for growth into more senior research roles.

Policy Research Fellow :: The Americas (Geopolitics)