Senior Research Assistant (Job ID:2024-3521) - 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 Executive Office - The Executive Office (EO) moves the Brookings mission forward by supporting and guiding the research programs, external affairs, and business operations of the Institution.  The EO consists of the President’s office and the President's support team and aims to communicate regularly and transparently with Brookings staff about what’s happening at the institutional level.

About Economic Studies - 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.

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 assistant will have a joint appointment in the Executive Office and in the Economic Studies Program. The senior research assistant undertakes research and policy analysis on a range of economic and social policy issues in support of the President and the executive office, as well as for the director of the Retirement Security Project in Economic Studies. Duties for this position include a) research assistance; b) drafting materials and working papers, blogs, and other publications; c) verification of statistical calculations, literature searches, and computer work; d) factchecking; e) support for speeches and other communications opportunities, including working with a speechwriter and creating PowerPoint decks; and e) assisting with the management of projects.

Research Assistance (60%)

• Independently drafts material summarizing research results on specific topics as assigned, for incorporation into working papers, project publications, and communications efforts.
• 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.
• Supports speeches and other communications opportunities, including with PowerPoint decks, talking points, and message coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Maintains electronic bibliography files.
• Factchecks scholar work for publication as part of Brookings’ Quality Review Policy.
• Assists with special projects and performs other duties as assigned. 

Quantitative Analysis, Programming, and Statistical Assistance (35%)

• Independently 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.
• Updates and checks existing databanks; assembles, consolidates, and checks data from new sources.

Research Program Support (5%)

• Updates web pages in support of the scholar’s area of interest.
• Writes and edits summaries to be posted on pages relating to scholar's work.
• Gathers related bibliographic, link and current event information in support of pages to be created for a scholar's topic area.
• Works with ES communications team to prepare, lay out, and post scholar’s work for publication on the web site.
• Coordinates with ES communications team on scholar’s publication schedule.
• Assists designated scholar(s) with event preparation and logistics as needed.

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. One-year job experience in economics, policy research, and/or computer modeling required; experience can come from full- or part-time work or rigorous internship programs. Competence to undertake research assignments with little supervision required. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

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. Experience creating compelling PowerPoint presentations required.

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.