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Think Tank Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

MUST be comfortable with team collaboration in think tank situations, this program is to be the base foundation of the company. This position holds the core personnel to embellish these core ...

Experience in a State DOI, and NAIC, or regulatory agency dealing with insurance financial services, state legislator or political campaign, think-tank public policy organization or trade association ...

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Sparta, TN ยท On-site

$57K - $73K/yr

The site also manufactures select marine furniture, aluminum tanks, blow-molded portable tanks, and ... Quick learner, flexible, and able to think quickly and outside the box when needed. * Excellent ...

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Think Tank information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$17

$30

How much do think tank jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for think tank in Tennessee is $17.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are think tanks and what do they do?

Think tanks are organizations dedicated to research and analysis on public policy issues. They gather experts to develop ideas, provide insights, and offer recommendations to policymakers, businesses, and the public. Their work often includes publishing reports, hosting events, and engaging in advocacy to influence decision-making on topics such as economics, security, healthcare, and education. Think tanks can be independent, affiliated with universities, or associated with political parties, and they play a key role in shaping public debate.

What Is a Think Tank?

A think tank is an institute or organization that performs advocacy and research on one or more topics. Think tanks frequently address topics like proposed political and social policies, economic matters, use of technology, and culture. The structure and goals of a think tank often reflect its source of support, which can be anything from a non-profit to a government-, corporation-, or university-sponsored guarantee of support. Think tanks range from large and diversified groups to smaller setups focused on specific and specialized topics. Some think tanks provide help with writing legislation, finding experts on particular issues, determining what topics should be studied, or bringing people together.

What is the difference between Think Tank vs Policy Analyst?

AspectThink TankPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in political science, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with a focus on specific policy areas
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often non-profit or think tank organizationsGovernment agencies, NGOs, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for research, policy development, and advocacyUsed for analyzing, developing, and recommending policies

While both roles require advanced education and involve policy work, a Think Tank primarily conducts research and advocacy within specialized organizations, whereas a Policy Analyst often works within government or consulting firms to analyze and develop policies based on research findings.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in think tanks, and how can new hires best navigate them?

Professionals in think tanks often face challenges such as tight deadlines for delivering research, the need to balance rigorous analysis with clear communication, and staying current with rapidly evolving policy landscapes. New hires can navigate these challenges by cultivating strong time management skills, actively seeking feedback from senior researchers, and engaging in continuous learning through seminars and networking events. Collaboration is key, as projects often require input from experts in various disciplines, so building relationships within and outside the organization is essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Think Tank Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Think Tank Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research expertise, and advanced degrees in relevant fields such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis tools, academic databases, and sometimes statistical software like Stata or R is common. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set standout candidates apart in producing and presenting impactful research. These abilities are crucial for generating credible policy recommendations and influencing decision-makers in fast-evolving policy landscapes.
What job categories do people searching Think Tank jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Think Tank jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Think Tank jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Think Tank job openings:
Infographic showing various Think Tank job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 16% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,699 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Defense AI Alignment Specialist - Remote

Defense AI Alignment Specialist - Remote

micro1 AI

Nashville, TN โ€ข Remote

$50 - $90/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Role Title: Military Operations & IHL Expert


Role Type: Contractor


Location: Remote


micro1 is engaging Military Operations & IHL Experts to contribute to a prominent defense-policy and humanitarian-law project. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required โ€” your domain knowledge is what matters. You will leverage your deep understanding of warfighting, weapons targeting, defense operations, and international humanitarian law to support the development of frameworks that responsibly evaluate military and humanitarian scenarios. This is a unique opportunity to influence technology at the intersection of operational expertise and conflict ethics while working alongside other experts at the forefront of these domains.


Scope of Work

  1. Develop comprehensive taxonomies for military-use and defense operations within diverse conflict contexts.
  2. Create dual-use triage frameworks that help distinguish between military and civilian applications of technology and knowledge.
  3. Establish clear boundaries for prohibited assistance under international humanitarian law, providing structured input for AI training and evaluation.
  4. Design conflict-risk rubrics and scenario-based evaluation tools to assess operational and ethical implications of defense activities.
  5. Evaluate and refine policy-relevant benchmarks to ensure responsible testing of AI models in defense and humanitarian contexts.
  6. Contribute written and verbal analyses articulating complex warfighting, targeting, and IHL concepts for interdisciplinary audiences.


Preferred Qualifications

  1. 5+ years of relevant military, defense analysis, or IHL experience; ideally 8โ€“20 years for senior contributors.
  2. Advanced degree (e.g., MA, LLM, PhD) or equivalent operational experience in military science, security studies, international law, or related fields.
  3. High credibility and established track record in warfighting, operational planning, targeting law, or humanitarian law application.
  4. Expertise in interpreting and applying conflict ethics, IHL, and defense policy frameworks in real-world scenarios.
  5. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical and ethical concepts clearly and concisely.
  6. Experience in research, policy analysis, or advisory roles within military, governmental, legal, or think-tank environments.
  7. Prior involvement with conflict analysis, war-crimes investigation, or weapons-policy development is a strong plus.