Research Assistant

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 Governance Studies program at Brookings is dedicated to analyzing policy issues, political institutions and processes, and contemporary governance challenges. Our scholarship identifies areas in need of reform and proposes specific solutions with the goals of: improving the performance of the national government; informing debate; and providing policymakers with expert analysis and ideas to ensure better institutional governance.

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. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Research Assistant provides research assistance to Governance Studies (GS) scholars Sarah Binder and Molly Reynolds on topics related to American government and policymaking, including Congress and other American political institutions. Undertakes research assignments with minimal supervision, drafts summaries of findings, and assists with preparation of publications.

Research Support (90%)

• Prepares and independently analyzes statistical data for research using statistical packages and database tools.
• Researches and independently collects documents and information from various sources (government agencies, universities, libraries, Internet, non-profit research organizations, etc.) on relevant topics in support of Governance Studies scholars.
• Compiles, reads, abstracts, synthesizes, analyzes, and organizes written and electronic material into summarized form.
• Analyzes and produces written summaries of quantitative data.
• Provides editing assistance for research products in preparation for publication.
• Provides general research on a variety of short-term projects.
• Updates and checks existing data and footnotes; provides fact checking, editing and proof-reading of documents in preparation for publication.
• Manages the progress of various projects, including supervising and assisting interns with their contributions.

Other Scholar Support (10%)

• Attends symposia, conferences, and hearings relevant to research projects; summarizes content of such events.
• Performs administrative duties for GS Scholars as needed, including reserving rooms and coordination with other departments.
• Recruits and supervises interns, including developing description of position, conducting interviews, and providing day-to-day supervision during internship.

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

Required: Bachelor’s degree in political science or related field; minimum of one year of relevant work or internship experience; quantitative research experience using Excel and a major statistical package (i.e. STATA, R, Python)

Preferred: Academic background or demonstrated interest in American government and social science; experience with qualitative research

Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Required:  Basic knowledge of statistical procedures; familiarity with Excel and/or a major statistical software package; extensive Internet research skills; capacity to learn other types of software programs; effective written communication skills; initiative; ability to prioritize and communicate effectively to manage competing deadlines from multiple supervisors; and ability to work in a diverse, team-based environment.

Preferred:  Interest in social science and American government.

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.