Intelligence Research Specialist
About this role
The U.S. Department of State is hiring an Intelligence Research Specialist in Washington, DC, with applications closing November 2, 2026. The role supports the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, turning reporting from embassies, open sources, and intelligence partners into clear assessments for policymakers. You will research foreign political, economic, and security developments, draft analytic products, and brief findings to senior officials. It is a strong federal opening for analysts who write well, think critically, and want their work to reach the highest levels of government.
We added this government jobs opening on October 30, 2026 after reviewing the employer's posting. The role is based on site in Washington, District of Columbia, so it suits candidates within commuting distance. The advertised pay for the position is $99,000 – $153,000/yr, as published by the employer. Read the sections below before applying — they break down what the job involves day to day, who it suits, and how the application process works.
Job snapshot
| Employer | U.S. Department of State |
|---|---|
| Job title | Intelligence Research Specialist |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Workplace | On-site |
| Job type | Full-time |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Salary | $99,000 – $153,000/yr |
| Posted | October 30, 2026 |
| Listing source | U.S. Department of State Careers (current vacancies) |
What you will do day to day
While every employer organises the work slightly differently, the core of this Intelligence Research Specialist role at U.S. Department of State covers the following:
- Research foreign political, economic, and security developments
- Draft intelligence assessments and briefing materials
- Evaluate reporting from embassies, open sources, and partners
- Brief findings clearly to policymakers and senior officials
- Track assigned countries or topics and flag emerging trends
- Coordinate analysis with other intelligence community agencies
What you will need
- U.S. citizenship, as required for federal intelligence roles
- Strong research, writing, and critical-thinking skills
- Knowledge of foreign affairs, international relations, or a related field
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Experience producing analytic or research products preferred
- Ability to work under deadlines on sensitive topics
This role suits a candidate who is comfortable with formal processes, documentation, and eligibility rules, and who values long-term stability and public service.
Pay and benefits
The advertised salary range for this position is $99,000 – $153,000/yr, as published by U.S. Department of State. Final offers in US hiring typically depend on experience, qualifications, and location, and the official listing remains the authoritative source for pay details. Alongside pay, weigh the benefits below — health cover, paid leave, and retirement contributions can add significant value on top of the base figure.
Benefits listed by the employer
- Federal employment with a GS-scale salary range
- Thrift Savings Plan with government matching contributions
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
- Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
- Work that directly informs U.S. foreign policy decisions
How to apply
- Read the requirements above carefully and check you meet the essentials — US employers screen against them closely.
- Update your résumé so the skills named in this listing are easy to find, using the same wording where it honestly matches your experience.
- Click the Apply button on this page. It takes you to the official listing (U.S. Department of State Careers (current vacancies)), where applications are submitted directly to U.S. Department of State.
- Complete every field of the official application and double-check your contact details before submitting.
- Keep a note of the posting date and job title so you can follow up politely if you have not heard back within two weeks.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Apply well before the closing date — government portals rarely grant extensions.
- Answer every questionnaire item and align your résumé wording with the announcement.
- Check citizenship, clearance, and education requirements before investing time.
- Federal résumés can be longer than private-sector ones; include hours, grades, and duties in detail.
Frequently asked questions
When does this vacancy close?
The vacancy closes November 2, 2026, according to the State Department careers listing.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes. The selectee must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
How do I apply for the Intelligence Research Specialist position?
Use the Apply button on this page — it opens the official listing on U.S. Department of State Careers (current vacancies), where you submit your application directly to U.S. Department of State. US Jobs Hub never charges job seekers and does not collect applications itself.
What is the salary for this Intelligence Research Specialist role?
The advertised range is $99,000 – $153,000/yr, as published by the employer. The final offer depends on experience, qualifications, and location, so confirm the current figure on the official listing before you apply.
Where is this job located?
This position is listed for Washington, District of Columbia and is a On-site role. Confirm the exact workplace address on the official listing.
Need help applying? Read our guide: Job Interview Preparation: A Practical Guide — written for government jobs applicants in the USA.
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