Future of Digital Security Analyst 

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is seeking an individual who is eager to apply both policy and technical knowledge and experience as an analyst to support our Future of Digital Security portfolio.

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST), a 501(c)(3) critical action think tank that unites technology and policy leaders to create solutions to emerging security challenges, is actively seeking highly motivated practitioners to join our team as a Future of Digital Security analyst. IST takes collaborative action to advance national security and global stability through trustworthy technology, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network. Since its foundation in 2020, IST has launched a vast array of impactful initiatives addressing challenges such as ransomware, the resilience of lifeline critical infrastructure, trust and safety, nuclear risk reduction, the role of artificial intelligence, and more. We are a passionate, tight-knit team, excited about the challenges we are tackling — join us at the cutting edge of emerging technology security policy!  

Position

We are seeking an individual who is eager to apply both policy and technical knowledge and experience as an analyst to support our Future of Digital Security portfolio. Projects that are included in this portfolio include the influential Ransomware Task Force, as well as efforts focused on engaging global audiences, including the security research community and global telecommunications and other communications infrastructure entities, to combat cybersecurity threats.

Description

  • Building off the success of the Ransomware Task Force (RTF), we are currently seeking an analyst who can contribute to a set of research projects under our Future of Digital Security pillar. 
  • Among other projects, we are encouraging adoption of RTF Report recommendations globally, including through sharing of best practices and adapting recommendations to specific global contexts. 
  • We continue to track progress against the Ransomware Task Force’s initial 48 recommendations in our Combating Ransomware report. We are also working to identify opportunities to introduce friction into the ransomware payment ecosystem by using our ransomware payment ecosystem map.  
  • The day-to-day work would include contributing supporting research to cyber-focused projects, working with senior IST staff to conduct research interviews, drafting report language, and assisting with project management and scheduling work.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or work experience on the subject of technology or technology policy
  • 2-3 years experience in national security, technology policy, and/or foreign policy
  • Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines at a time
  • Strong writing and communications skills
  • Ability to communicate technical topics to a non-technical audience
  • As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), IST only employs persons legally eligible to work in the US. New employees must complete an I-9 Form and provide actual documents verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the United States within three (3) business days of the date of hire.
  • This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check

Preferred

  • MA/MSc/MBA with relevant coursework and/or thesis research. 
  • Experience or education in a range of research methodologies, including qualitative techniques like structured interviews.
  • Experience on issues related to development, foreign assistance, and change management.
  • General interest in emerging technology trends like cybersecurity, ML/AI techniques, democracy, human rights and security, or digital vulnerabilities.
  • Experience contributing to large publications.

Compensation and benefits*

The expected annual base salary range for this role is $50,000 – $62,500 annually.

IST’s generous compensation package consists of three core elements: base salary, benefits, and the potential for bonuses. We are committed to pay fairness and aim for these three elements collectively to be highly competitive with market rates in the non-profit sector. Benefits we offer include:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and all your dependents.
  • 401(k) plan with up to 4% matching.
  • 12 weeks paid parental leave.
  • Unlimited PTO after the introductory period. Most staff take between 3-4 weeks each year, sometimes more!
  • Potential stipends for education, home office, commuting, and wellness.
  • Potential for partial relocation support for those moving to the Bay Area.

Compensation is dependent on experience and is based on IST’s good faith estimate for this position, in San Francisco, CA, as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The level of pay, exact job title and role will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including where you place on our internal performance ladders, which is based on factors including past work experience, relevant education, and performance on our interviews or in a work trial.

Location

While we prefer candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area, we embrace remote work and welcome applicants from across the United States. Whether you’re in the heart of Silicon Valley or working remotely from another part of the country, your passion and expertise are what truly matters to us. It is worth noting that due to our focus on convening stakeholders for in-person working groups, IST has established a physical office in downtown Washington, DC and may require any incumbent within the National Capital Region to work from that office part time. Similarly for incumbent’s residing in the Bay Area, IST may establish a physical office within the area and, if so established, may require any incumbent residing in the area to work from that office part time.

How to apply

Kindly utilize this link to submit your application and feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you have any inquiries.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in foreign affairs and national security.  Read IST’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement.For more information, visit www.securityandtechnology.org. If you’re ready to embark on an exhilarating journey at the forefront of AI security policy, then seize this opportunity to join us at IST. Apply now and become a driving force in shaping the future of AI security and national security policy!