Research Assistant, Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy (Job ID: 2023-3341) - The Brookings Institution

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

The Economic Studies program analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and, based on that research, provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES’s work covers a broad array of economic issues, including economic growth, economic opportunity and mobility, the labor market, regulation, health policy, the environment, tax policy, retirement policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. Economic Studies scholars influence key economic policies by conducting rigorous and relevant research and then disseminating and communicating their findings to the policy community and to the broader public.

The mission of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy is to improve the quality and efficacy of fiscal and monetary policies and public understanding of them. It draws on the expertise of Brookings scholars and of experts in government, academia, think tanks and business. By commissioning research, convening private and public events, it seeks to generate new thinking, promote constructive criticism, and provide a forum for reasoned debate.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.  
 
Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.  

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement.  

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Research Assistant undertakes quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis on a range of issues, supporting the Center’s scholars. Duties for this position include: a) providing research assistance, such as literature reviews; b) drafting working papers, blogs and other publications; d) using statistical software to gather and analyze data; and e) assisting scholars and other staff with the management of projects and events. Preferred start date is between June 1 and August 1, 2024. The starting annual salary is $54,000. More information about being a research assistant in Economic Studies may be found here.

Quantitative Analysis, Programming, and Statistical Assistance (50%)

• Works jointly with senior scholars, prepares and revises programming code, simulation macros, database files and regression estimates.
• Analyzes data, using statistical packages and spreadsheets
• Prepares tables and graphs output from model simulations.
• Documents work carefully.  

Research Assistance (40%)

• In collaboration with senior research staff and other research assistants, drafts written material as assigned, for incorporation into working papers and other publications Provides analytical reviews and summaries of existing literature pertinent to the projects.
• Locates and collects relevant documents and data from sources such as electronic databases, libraries, and government publications.
• Compiles, reads, abstracts, and organizes written material into bibliographic form and summaries.
• Offers ideas for research, explainers, blog posts, and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.   

Project and Scholar Support (10%)

• Work with ES and Hutchins Center colleagues to prepare, lay out, and post scholar’s work for publication on the web site.
• Assist scholars and staff with event preparation and logistics as needed.
• In collaboration with center staff, help track and meet project deadlines and deliverables.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics/Statistics, Public Policy, or other Social Sciences with a minor in Economics required. Competence to undertake research assignments with little supervision required. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Intellectual curiosity and interest in fiscal and monetary policy essential. Strong data and writing skills required. Must be able to work well both as a member of a team and independently. Experience handling large data sets and models preferred. Independent research experience preferred. Experience with software such as STATA, R or other econometric packages required.

Application Procedure

Please read and follow all application procedures carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  A complete application will include ALL of the following items:

• Current resume

• Cover letter

• A copy of your latest (unofficial) undergraduate transcript (and a graduate transcript if applicable)

o If you are submitting an international transcript, please be sure to include a Grade Key

• Two letters of recommendation from professors or past employers/supervisors

Save your uploaded documents in the following format: First Name Last Name JOB ID Document Name

Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Important note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you must add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. Letters of recommendation and transcripts may be uploaded or submitted separately. If preferred, confidential letters of recommendation and/or official transcripts may be sent directly to Stephanie Cencula at scencula@brookings.edu. Please contact her with any specific questions you may have.

Additional Information:

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.