Research Assistant (Job ID: 2023-3165)

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 Brookings Metro program delivers research and solutions to help metropolitan leaders build an advanced economy that works for all. To learn more, please visit brookings.edu/metro. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/brookingsmetro. 

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 Research Assistant supports Brookings Metro’s work on infrastructure and the built environment, including transportation, water, and related issues around housing and land use. Under the supervision of the senior research staff (Fellow), the Research Assistant: (a) conducts high-quality research on public policy issues, particularly regarding climate planning, policy, and investments at a national, state, and local level, preparing related briefing materials and background memoranda; (b) organizes and analyzes large datasets; (c) identifies appropriate data sources and responds to statistical/analytical queries from senior research staff and external stakeholders; (d) prepares tables, maps, graphics, and presentations on research findings; (e) provides literature reviews. As needed, the Research Assistant also oversees travel and event logistics, constituent list management, and other administrative duties.

Research Assistance (80%)

• Conduct relevant research for senior research staff as assigned.
• Work with a variety of large-scale public- and private-sector databases to construct and manage data files; downloading and processing data as they become available, using major statistical software packages and languages such as Excel, R, Stata, and Python.
• Assemble and analyze detailed geographically based data on metropolitan demographic, economic, social, and physical attributes.
• Compile, read, and provide analytical reviews and summaries of diverse existing literature and research notes.
• Develop outlines and assist in drafting research reports and blog posts, including developing narrative, data charts, graphs, tables, and maps.
• Assemble and format data for presentation on interactive Brookings websites.
• Help prepare public presentations for scholars; assist in delivering presentations to some audiences.
• Attend meetings, take notes, and write summary reports of outside policy briefings, conferences, forums, and symposiums.
• Contribute to program-wide data and policy infrastructure in collaboration with research assistant/analyst colleagues.
• Interact with internal and external stakeholders to inform research design/delivery, and to answer research questions.
• Collaborate with research assistants/analysts across Brookings Metro to gain data/insights in support of the program’s research.
• Conduct fact-checking of Metro publications as part of quality review process along with other research support staff.

Administrative Support (20%)

• Administer the logistics of virtual or in-person meetings with outside partners, including technology, invitations, agendas, email communication, travel arrangements, and collateral materials.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to senior research staff; in collaboration with other Metro staff, schedule appointments and makes travel arrangements or technical logistics; take notes in meetings/calls and maintain records to support project management; process reimbursements; prepare and edit correspondence and memos.
• Work with supervisor and Brookings Metro events staff to support events.
• Maintain relationships with key data staff at government agencies and think tanks as required.
• Update program databases (e.g., Salesforce) routinely with respect to relevant projects.
• Provide general administrative assistance, 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 or concentration in economics, public policy, urban planning, political science, data science, geography, or other quantitative social science. At least two years of work experience providing similar work product, in fast-paced, public policy-oriented office (e.g., policy/political organizations, government, non-profit, or academic).  Preferred: Master’s degree or concentration in economics, public policy, urban planning, political science, geography, data science, or other quantitative social science. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the US.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements Required:

Strong interest in urban development issues and economics; high-level proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; capacity to quickly master analytical methods and related software. Must also possess clear writing skills and superb organizational and interpersonal skills. Must be comfortable taking initiative, paying attention to detail, and working in an ever-evolving policy environment. Preferred: Knowledge of mapping, Excel, Stata, R and Python; demonstrated ability to undertake research assignments with limited supervision is a plus. 

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. In addition, this position requires submittal of a writing sample. Please upload your writing sample, not to exceed 4 pages.

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.