Fellow (Job ID: 2022-3101)

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 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.    

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Governance Studies (GS) program at the Brookings Institution is accepting applications for a Fellow in its Center for Technology Innovation (CTI). The Fellow should have a strong background in technology policy and a keen understanding of the intersection of technology, society, and equity and an interest in work that makes an impact around the equitable design, and use of existing and emerging technologies, and related public policies. The Fellow will conduct research related to their individual scholarship, as well as undertake collaborative projects within CTI. The Fellow will be expected to produce a range of original work that includes research analysis, policy reports, blog posts, and opinion pieces in major newspapers and other media in support of the mission of Governance Studies and CTI’s efforts to improve the impact of research in technology policy more generally. He/she achieves impact by leading the research/policy agenda on their area of expertise, sharing their work with policymakers and other stakeholders, presenting their research at academic and policy conferences, and promotion through traditional and social media. Applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter describing their research interests, list of publications, and a written sample of their work (of no more than 10 pages) by February 1, 2023. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled and applicants selected for interview may be asked to formally present their research. Brookings welcomes applications from all qualified applicants, particularly those who identify as members of underrepresented or marginalized groups. Funding for this position is approved for two years, with extension based on availability of funding.

Research (70%)

• Conduct in-depth, high-quality public policy research in area of expertise, both independently and in collaboration with other CTI, GS, and Brookings scholars.
• Develop research concepts, policy questions, and work plans for papers and reports.
• Author and co-author, with other CTI and GS scholars and research staff, policy and research reports, briefs, blogs, op-eds, and other commentary for external publication.
• Produce reports and other research deliverables supported by external funding sources within proposed research timelines, notifying relevant parties of any needed delays.
• Work with, guide, and mentor junior research staff to support their professional development.
• Identify new streams of research that advance provocative ideas around existing and emerging technology policies, preferably in the areas of artificial intelligence, broadband, future of work, digital transformation, and equity.

Communications & Dissemination (20%)

• Promote the mission and expand the influence of Governance Studies and CTI.
• Conduct writing and outreach for book-length publications and shorter policy pieces such as articles, policy reports and opinion pieces in major media outlets.
• Collaborate with GS Communications team, CTI Director, and others to create and execute dissemination and promotional strategies for research products.
• Work with GS and CTI events staff to organize private and public events that discuss and promote research and relevant and timely public policy issues.
• Engage with internal and external academics, policymakers, and industry experts to identify authors, speakers, and other experts to contribute to publications and events.
• Respond to media requests and meet with and brief relevant external contacts on research and topics in areas of expertise.
• Present research and give talks at select external meetings and/or conferences.
• Participate in Brookings, GS, and CTI seminars, working groups, recruitments, etc.; make oneself available for expert assistance and contribute to a spirit of collaboration.

Fundraising (10%)

• Work with GS Development team to identify fundraising priorities and design, develop, and steward funding proposals, with consideration for external deadlines and internal timeline needs.
• In consultation with GS Development team, steward relationships with current GS, CTI, and Brookings funders.
• Participate in the GS Leadership Council and Brookings Board of Trustees meetings, 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: 

Qualifications M.A., PhD, or equivalent advanced degree in political science, sociology, public policy, economics, data science, or a related discipline or have comparable experience. Degree must be awarded prior to start date.  Primary expertise in technology policy, artificial intelligence, broadband and digital divide, telecommunications, online misinformation, social media, or the intersection of these areas with a focus on racial and social equity. Academic excellence may be blended with experience in the public or private sectors. Familiarity with legislative and regulatory agencies and processes is preferred. Successful candidates will have a record of, or demonstrated potential for, distinguished research and a demonstrated commitment to improving governance and advancing public policy in his or her area of expertise as well as the ability to engage with broad, diverse audiences, including members of the media, academia, policy community, and the general public. Publication record that demonstrates strong empirical quantitative and qualitative research skills and the ability to produce policy-relevant research required.  Successful candidates will also have strong written and verbal communications skills and possess relevant organizational skills to manage timely and multiple projects. Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce clear, rigorous, accessible, policy-relevant publications; strong familiarity with empirical research methods is required, as well as the ability and willingness to raise money for his or her research projects. Candidates from diverse demographic backgrounds, and training, including graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and interdisciplinary academic programs, are encouraged to apply.

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.