Hybrid Trade Policy Research Associate

SupportFinity™; Washington; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Generous vacation and sick days

Paid parental leave

Life and disability insurance

401(k) employer match

Transit/ Parking benefits

Pet discount plan

Job summary

The Cato Institute seeks a full-time Research Associate to support scholars in the Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. You will conduct research, analyze data, draft policy analyses, and help edit and review outputs. You may co-author pieces and assist with events and communications in Washington, DC.

The role combines research responsibilities with administrative tasks and offers mentorship and exposure to senior staff and guest lecturers in policy circles.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, statistics, political science, or data science is required.
• Proficiency with Excel is required; Stata/R desirable.
• Evidence of good writing skills with published pieces preferred.
• No prior work experience required; flexible for entry level.

Responsibilities

• Support the research of scholars at Cato’s Center for Trade Policy Studies.
• Conduct general research and data analysis.
• Draft short- and long-form research products using original findings and peer‑reviewed research.
• Edit, fact-check, and review research products.
• Occasionally co-author blog posts and policy analyses.
• Manage the center’s social media accounts and newsletters.
• Assist with administrative tasks and cross‑department collaboration.
• Attend meetings and support events in Washington, DC.

Skills

Organizational skills

Writing and editing

Economics data experience

Trade policy knowledge

Strong communication

Education

Degree in economics, statistics, political science, or data science

Tools

Excel

Stata

R

Job description

The Cato Institute seeks a full-time Research Associate to support scholars in the Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. You will conduct research, analyze data, draft policy analyses, and help edit and review outputs. You may co-author pieces and assist with events and communications in Washington, DC.

The role combines research responsibilities with administrative tasks and offers mentorship and exposure to senior staff and guest lecturers in policy circles.