Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst, Center on Regulation and Markets (Job ID: 2024-3518) - 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. 

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.

The Center on Regulation and Markets (CRM) provides independent, non-partisan research on regulatory policymaking, the regulatory process, and the efficient and equitable functioning of economic markets. The CRM accomplishes this through a broad range of research, publications, and events that foster informed debate among academic experts, practitioners, and policymakers. The CRM currently has several focal areas, including (1) artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, (2) climate change, (3) the future of work, (4) consumer protection, and (5) the regulatory process. 

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.  

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. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The (Senior) Research Analyst undertakes joint in-depth research assignments with the center director, on such topics as artificial intelligence, environmental/energy economics, climate change policy, the future of work and consumer protection. Performs complex and high-quality research and quantitative data analysis with little supervision. Stays abreast of research and policy developments. Communicates with outside and inside authors; regularly assists with events.

Research and Policy Analysis (45%)

• Identify, collect, and organize economic data and documents from various sources including electronic databases, libraries, and government documents. Identify trends and policy implications on specific topics as assigned, to be incorporated into working papers and published materials.

• Provide independent analysis and summary of data. Compile, read, and provide analytical reviews and summaries of diverse existing literature pertinent to assigned topic.

• Independently analyze complex data, using statistical packages and spreadsheets. Suggest new methods, models, and questions for research. Identify best methods for distilling and presenting the results; produce relevant charts and tables.

• Mentor and provide guidance on work of research assistants on selected projects.

• Partner with scholars to help identify areas of policy research and analysis to be examined.

 Writing and Editing (40%)

• Independently develop detailed outlines and high quality first drafts of papers or sections of papers and work closely with senior research staff through the publication process.

• Help adapt papers to reach various audiences through summaries, blog posts, data visualization, and other methods.

• Review and edit papers from internal and external authors.

• Co-author papers and blog posts with senior research staff.

• Communicate with collaborating researchers internally and in other institutions.

• Prepare briefing memos for the Center Director on a wide range of topics.

 Center Support (15%)

• Assist center leadership with day-to-day activities of the center, including research, policy, outreach, scheduling, and other activities as assigned.

• Assist with center events as needed, including meeting preparation, calendar support, and logistics for public events, private roundtables, and additional activities.

• Participate in relevant conferences, seminars, meetings, and briefings initiated by center; serve as a center liaison and note taker, writing summary reports as necessary.

• Assist with factchecking and copyediting articles.

• Other duties as assigned.

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. Minimum of two years of relevant experience with research and advanced quantitative data analysis required; experience can come from prior employment, internship, or applicable undergraduate/graduate work. Masters in similar fields or work experience in economics and/or public policy strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability and competence to undertake in-depth research assignments and perform complex research and data analysis with little supervision.

To be considered at the senior level, a master’s degree in a related field and two years of post-master’s research experience required.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Interest in artificial intelligence and/or the future of work and/or climate change and environmental economics essential; familiarity with sources of data and literature in one or more of these areas preferred. Professional demeanor and high level of comfort working with distinguished scholars and high-profile individuals from government/international organizations. Comprehensive knowledge of software packages such as Word and Excel. Outstanding oral and written communication skills required. Experience with writing for different audiences required. Experience with software such as STATA, R, or other econometric packages required. Experience handling large data sets and models preferred. Experience with web coding/scripting (such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS), and database management (such as SQL, Microsoft Access, etc.) preferred. Independent research experience preferred. Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills. Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Ability to work well under pressure with minimal supervision, discretion, and mature judgment.

*** Please note that candidates are not permitted to use ChatGPT or any other language models/AI systems to prepare any of their application materials. Any candidate who does will be automatically disqualified from consideration.***

Candidates who are graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 2025 are encouraged to instead apply to the Research Assistant position, posted here.

Application Procedure

A complete application will include the following items: 

• Resume
• Cover letter
• 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

Please save your uploaded documents in the following format: First Name Last Name JOB ID Document Name.

Please note: Applicants who meet our minimum application qualifications as outlined in the Job Description may be contacted to submit additional materials required by our hiring committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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. 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.