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, 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.

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 Hamilton Project: The Hamilton Project (THP) at the Brookings Institution produces research and policy proposals on how to create a growing economy that benefits more Americans. Our economic strategy reflects a judgment that long term prosperity is best achieved by making economic growth broad-based, by enhancing individual economic security, and by embracing a role for effective government in making needed public investments. THP focuses on a broad range of topics in macroeconomics and applied microeconomics with economy policy relevance. Current and recent projects include papers on tax reform, the macroeconomic and fiscal consequences of immigration, gaps in the social insurance system, policies to strengthen the labor market and enhance wage growth, and policies to support communities’ economic development. Visit www.hamiltonproject.org for more information.

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.

Responsibilities
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Research Assistant or Senior Research Assistant will help develop and execute an overall policy agenda and policy strategy as a member of The Hamilton Project team. This includes doing original policy-relevant analysis and co-authoring research, analyzing data and presenting findings visually and in writing, providing research support to the Director, Associate Director, and other THP-affiliated or commissioned authors on a wide range of topics in economic policy, and assisting with the production of Hamilton Project work.

Research and Policy Development (45%)

• With Director, Associate Director, and Hamilton Project staff, discuss and review policy areas and ideas for research, development, and commissions.

• Support policy development by researching various policy areas, remaining abreast of most recent research and policy activity.

• Independently analyze data in Excel, STATA, R or similar software and present findings accurately and accessibly both visually and in writing.

• Create and/or maintain charts, figures, and data interactives to illustrate research findings for internally authored and commissioned Hamilton Project papers.

Writing and Editing (35%)

• Co-author Hamilton Project research products including Economic Facts, and long- and short-form empirical analyses on policy-relevant topics in economics.

• Take a lead role in drafting summaries of commissioned Hamilton Project proposals for release as policy briefs.

Production Coordination (20%)

• Work with Director, Associate Director, and commissioned author(s) on Hamilton Project policy proposal management. In addition to research support, this includes monitoring author progress, tracking paper drafts and timelines, and coordinating and consolidating feedback to the author.

• On designated products, coordinate and/or execute quality control processes and liaise with communications staff on deliverables.

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. Relevant experience in economics or policy research required; this experience can come from full- or part-time work, work in a college setting, internships, etc. Competence to undertake research assignments with right-sized supervision required. Must have strong organizational experience and ability and be able to keep track of overlapping calendars and deadlines. To be considered for a senior research assistant position, you must have all of the above, plus a minimum of one year of relevant work experience or a Master’s degree. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Strong quantitative and analytic skills as well as writing and editing skills, including experience with Stata or R, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Strong knowledge of and passion for public policy. Must be able to take initiative to explore promising policy areas and absorb and synthesize large amounts of information and data quickly. Must be a team player and able to work in a small, collaborative environment—often at a fast pace and under time constraints. Must have the flexibility to take on new roles and responsibilities; discretion, creativity, maturity, and good judgment are valued.

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.

 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

 

This position is best suited for those who have received an undergraduate degree in economics, data science, statistics, public policy, or other social sciences with a minor in economics. Preferred start date is between May 1 and July 1, 2026.

More information about being a research assistant in Economic Studies may be found here.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants will be contacted within 4–6 weeks of submission (potentially earlier) if they have been selected for an interview. Please note: Applicants who meet our minimum application qualifications as outlined in the Job Description may be contacted to submit additional materials required by our hiring committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your resume as instructed and add your cover letter as an attachment when you apply. Additionally, please include a writing sample as well as a copy of your latest undergraduate transcript (unofficial).

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.