Overview
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.
About the Economic Studies Program: 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.
About The Hutchins Center: The mission of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy is to improve the quality and efficacy of fiscal and monetary policy and public understanding of them. It draws on the expertise of Brookings scholars and of experts in government, academia, think tanks and business. By producing and commissioning research, convening private and public events, and more, 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 two days of remote work each week.
Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
The Research Assistant undertakes quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis on a broad range of fiscal and monetary policy issues, supporting the Center’s scholars. This includes supporting original policy-relevant analysis and co-authored research, analyzing data and presenting findings visually and in writing (to both expert and non-expert audiences), providing research support to scholars, and assisting with the overall production of Hutchins Center work.
Quantitative Analysis, Programming, and Statistical Support (45%)
Under direction of senior scholars, analyze data in Excel, STATA, R, Python, and/or similar software, and present findings accurately and accessibly, both visually and in writing.
Generate, maintain, and/or update tables and graphs.
Update and check existing databases; assemble, consolidate, clean, and check data from new sources.
Update and maintain existing Hutchins Center priority projects, like the Fiscal Ship federal budget simulation game and the monthly Fiscal Impact Measure interactive.
Research Assistance and Writing (45%)
In collaboration with senior scholars, write summaries of research results, for incorporation into newsletters, working papers, and project publications.
Draft text for newsletters, blogs, explainers, and other styles of publication.
Provide analytical reviews and summaries of existing literature pertinent to projects.
Locate and collect relevant documents and data from sources such as online databases, libraries, and government publications.
Compile, read, summarize, and organize written material into bibliographies and literature reviews.
Fact-check publications of all types to be published on brookings.edu.
Contribute to weekly Hutchins Round-up newsletter highlighting new research in fiscal and monetary policy.
Project Support (10%)
Assist with event preparation and logistics, and provide day-of support as requested.
Develop and maintain comprehensive process documentation and well-organized project folders.
Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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. Research experience in economics, policy research, and/or computer modeling preferred but not required; experience can come from part-time work, work in a college setting, or internships. Competence to undertake research assignments with little supervision required. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Please note that Brookings does not support the OPT STEM extension.
Preferred start date is between June 1 and August 1, 2026. The starting annual salary is $58,000.
More information about being a research assistant in Economic Studies may be found here.
Knowledge/Skill Requirements
Strong computer skills and experience required. 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. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and 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)
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 (at least one letter of recommendation should be academic, the second can be academic or professional). Please have your recommenders send their letters directly to Stephanie Cencula.
Have Questions?
Please review our FAQs here. If you have additional questions, contact Stephanie Cencula.
Additional Information
What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.
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, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, 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. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.
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