Research Analyst

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 Global Economy and Development program, one of the five research programs of Brookings, generates actionable insights and tools to address shared challenges and achieve a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. Housed within the Global program, the Workforce of the Future initiative (WoF) researches the growth and decline of industries and worker transitions at a local level to provide regional policymakers with practical tools and insights. The initiative is seeking a research analyst to support in implementing new research and informing policy at the intersection of economic development, worker mobility, immigration, and urban growth in times of technological disruption.

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.

Ready to contribute to Brookings' success?

Reporting to the WoF Senior Fellow, the Research Analyst will add to a team conducting research and building data-driven solutions that help policymakers catalyze worker mobility and inclusive growth, drawing from a variety of fields. The ideal candidate will have excellent writing and project management skills as well as experience in data analytics, econometric techniques, applied research, and an interest in policymaker engagement. WoF seeks candidates with demonstrated ability to analyze immigration data (For example: DHS/USCIS datasets and standard demographic/international sources (ACS/IPUMS, UNHCR, UN DESA, IOM, World Bank) for domestic and Latin America migration research. This is a one-year term appointment, with the possibility of extension.

Research and Policy Analysis (60%)

• Conduct empirical research and policy analysis on policies and trends.

• Perform quantitative data analysis of large datasets and trends, utilizing econometric, network science, and other statistical methods.

• Create and manage large datasets using Stata, R, or Python; write code R to operationalize analysis methodologies.

• Create tables, graphs, and other data visualizations that clearly communicate research findings.

• Support in the writing of high-quality drafts of working papers and presentations based on the research.

• Conduct literature reviews, monitor and analyze relevant material from topical conferences, academic journals, and policy publications.

• Support Senior Fellow with drafting, editing, and proofreading of research reports, policy briefs, blogs, online visualizations and other published materials.

Project Coordination and Strategic Engagement (40%)

• Assist senior fellow with the organization of meetings and conferences, organize travel.

• Prepare content for presentations, summaries, and blogs.

• Serve as point of contact for consultants working offsite and external stakeholders, respond to inquiries, review draft reports.

• Generate impactful communications material and social media social media strategy to disseminate research.

• Support ad hoc requests for policy support, preparing fact sheets, briefing notes for internal and external trends, supporting Congressional testimonies, and other program needs.

• Other administrative 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, Statistics, Computer Science, Sociology or similar social science field required.  Master’s degree in relevant discipline preferred.  Minimum two years of work experience in empirical research and quantitative data analysis, potentially including previous experience working as a research assistant with a professor. Strong academic record essential.

Familiarity with key sources of economic data and core scholarship on industrial policy, migration, labor, or social policy. Proven competence to undertake research assignments with little or no supervision. Data visualization and editorial experience, a plus. Demonstrated experience engaging policymakers.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Strong knowledge, work experience, and established interest in network science, industrial organization, workforce development, labor and urban economics, migration, AI adoption, or global economic development. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated expertise in one of more of the following areas:

• Regional economic development – industrial policy, urban growth, and regional development strategies.

• Labor Economics – particularly as it relates to effects of migration, upskilling, active labor market policies, as well as onset and adoption of new AI technology; experience with wage, skill, occupation or employment datasets in the U.S. or abroad such as O*NET, OES, CPS, NLSY, LEHD, or other public databases.

• Data visualization and interactive tools – experience developing interactive online dashboards and visualization tools (e.g., RShiny, Tableau, Power BI, Plotly, or Dash) to communicate research insights, enable policy simulation, and support stakeholder engagement with complex economic and labor market data.

Strong written, research, and oral communications skills required; high functionality in Microsoft Office software package and proven expertise in economic/statistical software such as R, Stata, Python required. Must be able to present research work in a cogent style consistent with standards for Brookings and the field. Ability to meet rapid, multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Professional demeanor, high level of comfort working in a culturally diverse environment with high-profile individuals from academic, policy, corporate, government, and international circles.  Ability to work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgment

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.

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