Principal Researcher - Macro & Geopolitical Perspective

Job Description: Job Description Principal Researcher - Macro & Geopolitical Perspective Remote Freelance Competitive Retainer About SMCO Straits Meridian Capital Office (SMCO) is a research-driven capital platform. We operate at the intersection of capital, systems, and long-horizon structural change. We do not follow market narratives. We read the structures beneath them. What that means in practice: We are not a trading desk. We do not chase short-term volatility. Our decisions are informed by deep, structural research across geopolitics, macroeconomics, and industrial systems. Your analysis will directly inform investment decisions - not sit on a shelf. We are a lean team. No bureaucracy. No revenue targets driving your work. Just research, rigour, and conviction. The Role We are looking for an analyst with a deep understanding of how geopolitical developments, macroeconomic transitions, and industrial policy intersect to shape capital flows and investment risk - with primary coverage across East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. Your work will inform internal capital allocation decisions across industrial systems, infrastructure, and technology-adjacent domains. This is a remote, freelance engagement with a competitive monthly retainer and long-term potential. You will work directly with our research team, producing analysis that shapes capital allocation decisions across multiple sectors. What You'll Do - Day to Day Your typical week might include:Geopolitical monitoring: Tracking developments affecting global capital flows, trade relationships, and industrial positioning across your coverage regionsRegional security analysis: Assessing security dynamics, policy shifts, and regulatory changes across East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, and EuropeDecision-grade analysis: Providing structured analysis on sanctions, trade controls, supply chain resilience, strategic competition, and economic statecraftCross-domain integration: Connecting geopolitical and macroeconomic developments to specific industrial and infrastructure sectors - translating broad trends into investment implicationsReport writing: Producing structured, decision-grade analytical reports - typically 2-4 per month - that translate complex political and economic developments into clear investment implications The work is independent but not isolated. You will have access to our research team for discussion, review, and debate. You will be expected to bring your own hypotheses, defend them with evidence, and revise them when the facts change. Who You Are - Core Competencies We are looking for someone who brings:Exceptional analytical and research skills - you can deconstruct complex geopolitical and policy issues and deliver nuanced, actionable insightsExcellent written English - you have a proven ability to write structured, precise, professional reports for senior decision-makersDeep subject matter expertise in one or more of: regional security (East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America), great-power competition, defense policy, economic statecraft, sanctions, trade policy, or supply chain resilienceStrong project execution - you can independently deliver high-quality work under tight deadlinesNetwork leverage - you can effectively leverage professional networks to validate findings and provide contextual insight Experience required: 2+ years in a relevant analytical or research role. Exceptions may be made for exceptional candidates with strong institutional backgrounds. Preferred Backgrounds We are particularly interested in candidates whose professional experience has been shaped by one or more of the following environments:Government service - foreign affairs, defense-related policy, trade or development agenciesPolicy analysis roles at top-tier research institutionsInternational organisations - UN, EU, World Bank, IMF - in policy or analytical functionsDefense industry, corporate security, or political risk analysisInvestigative or international journalism covering conflict, political risk, or economic warfare Institutional affinity: We are especially interested in candidates whose work has been shaped by settings such as Chatham House, IISS, Carnegie Endowment, Council on Foreign Relations, Stimson Center, or equivalent geopolitical research institutions. Why SMCO Here is what you can expect from working with us:Your analysis directly informs capital deployment - not quarterly earnings reports, not marketing materials, not internal presentations that go nowhereLean, research-driven culture with no revenue targets - you are evaluated on analytical rigour, not sales performanceFully remote, flexible working arrangement - work from wherever you are most productiveCompetitive monthly retainer with long-term engagement potential for the right candidateNo micromanagement - we trust you to deliver, and we evaluate you on output, not hours How You'll Be Evaluated We measure performance on three criteria:Analytical rigour - are your arguments well-supported? Do you consider counterarguments? Can you distinguish signal from noise?Writing quality - is your analysis clear, structured, and decision-ready? Can a busy reader grasp your core argument in 30 seconds?Timeliness - do you deliver on schedule? When deadlines are tight, do you prioritise effectively? How to Apply Please submit your CV. While not required, we welcome examples of past analytical work - reports, briefings, or assessments - if you have them. Relevant professional insights can also be discussed during the interview process. We will only consider candidates who meet the core competency requirements. If you are unsure whether you qualify, please read the requirements carefully before applying. Powered by JazzHR Compensation details: PI18f0fa2ea5-