The Brookings Institution

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Scholar in Residence, Center on Health Policy (Job ID: 2026-3832)

US-DC-Washington

Job ID: 2026-3832
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research
1. Resident Employee (Hybrid)

Overview

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, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world.

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals:

• Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world
• Expand economic and social opportunity for all
• Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions
• Advance peace and security worldwide

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor.

Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.

About the Economic Studies Program: 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.

About the Center on Health Policy (CHP): CHP produces rigorous research and analysis that informs the national health care policy debate. Recent and ongoing research examines impediments to prescription drug competition, strategies to enhance insurance coverage, provider consolidation, insurance market design, and policies to improve mental and behavioral health care in the U.S.

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.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Scholar in Residence role combines strong writing and editing skills with the ability to conduct high-quality, in-depth independent policy research.

The Scholar in Residence will work with scholars in the Center on Health Policy (CHP) and other centers in Economic Studies (ES) on health and social policy research, including research related to hospital regulation, poverty, Medicaid and Medicare, and Social Security.

In addition, the Scholar in Residence will collaborate with scholars in CHP and ES to edit their work and translate complex policy research into clear, compelling content that reaches and influences key stakeholders.

In all their work, the Scholar-in-Residence performs in a way that supports a welcoming and inclusive community while upholding Brookings’ standards of quality and independence. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriately managing all conflicts of interest and all interactions with foreign governments.

This role is a 60% FTE (part-time), two-year term position.

Research (60%)

• Conducts in-depth, high-quality public policy research in areas of expertise, independently, and in collaboration with other scholars.

• Authors or co-authors policy and research reports, blogs, op-eds, and other commentary.

• Develops and delivers presentations for research projects and policy priorities.

• Meets with and briefs relevant external contacts on research.

• Presents research and gives talks at select outside meetings and conferences.

• Convenes private roundtables, author conferences and public events to inform research and disseminate work.

• Serves as a resource to media in areas of expertise.

• Actively participates in ES program and scholar community activities including seminars, recruiting, service to the profession, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and acts as a good citizen of their center, program, and Brookings.
  

Editing (30%)

• Works with CHP scholars to translate their research into clear, compelling narratives and provide guidance on tone, messaging, and content structure to effectively communicate with target audiences.

• Works with CHP scholars to create high-impact, digestible content products based on their research.

Fundraising (10%)

• With the Brookings Development team, assists in fundraising and stewardship efforts for current and prospective donors.

• Develops and maintains responsive and productive relationships with existing funders and leads engagement with potential funders in consultation with ES and CHP leadership and the Development team.

Qualifications

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 or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred. At least five years of relevant experience is required. The successful candidate will be established and well regarded in their field of expertise. Prior experience at a think tank or in journalism preferred. Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editing skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to distill complex ideas into clear, impactful messages. A record of distinguished experience and/or leadership in government, academia, journalism, the non-profit sector, or the private sector. Must have a demonstrated ability to understand and write knowledgeably about public policy research of the economic caliber necessary for publication in a top academic journal. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Must possess excellent writing and editing skills and be able to lead independent research on health and social policy. Must be comfortable working with researchers, high-ranking decision makers, senior government officials, current and potential funders, and Brookings senior management. Commitment to contributing to a supportive and productive workplace with a diverse workforce. Must have an interest in or experience with mentoring junior staff and an ability to collaborate collegially with staff at all levels and in all job profiles.

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.