Policy Analyst in Human Progress, Psychology

Cato Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cato Institute seeks a Policy Analyst in Human Progress, Psychology to analyze the psychological impacts of progress and develop proposals to ensure continued human advancement. Candidates should have a PhD in psychology and a commitment to individual freedom and limited government. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including health insurance and generous leave.

Benefits

Health insurance

HSA contributions

Generous leave

Parental leave

Life and disability insurance

401(k) match

Transit benefits

Pet discount plan

Qualifications

• 3+ years in public policy, research, or related fields.
• Commitment to Cato’s values of individual freedom and limited government.
• Understanding of relevant psychological literature.

Responsibilities

• Engage with issues related to the psychology of progress.
• Research, analyze, and synthesize complex information.
• Organize policy forums and events on relevant topics.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to synthesize complex information

Exceptional writing and verbal skills

Interpersonal skills for collaboration

Self-starter

Education

PhD in psychology

Job description

Policy Analyst in Human Progress, Psychology

Join to apply for the Policy Analyst in Human Progress, Psychology role at Cato Institute.

Job Description

You must complete the Talent Market application to be considered for this position.

The Cato Institute seeks a policy analyst to work on the psychology of human progress. As the world improves along many material and moral dimensions, some people deny progress outright, while others point to possibly worsening psychological dimensions of progress, including the rise in anxiety and a crisis of meaning in wealthy countries. Successful candidates will analyze potentially negative psychological impacts of progress and those aspects of negativity bias that hinder widespread acknowledgment of real, measurable progress. They will help us understand ways to overcome that bias.

More broadly, a successful candidate will analyze the psychological impact of material abundance, plurality of values, and falling rates of violence on beings who evolved under opposite conditions; identify motivations that lead to policies that undermine human wellbeing in the long run; and develop proposals to ensure the continuation of human progress, compatible with economic and civil freedoms.

The candidate must have an advanced academic background in at least two of the following fields: evolutionary psychology, cultural psychology, social psychology, existential psychology, or developmental psychology.

The projected salary range is $75,000–$110,000, based on experience, education, and skills.

The Policy Analyst will report to Marian Tupy, founder and editor of HumanProgress.org. This position can be remote within the U.S., with a preference for hybrid work in Washington D.C.

Responsibilities

• Engage with issues related to the psychology of progress through various media and events.
• Survey progress-related output to identify key issues and credible scholars.
• Build relationships with scholars and collaborate on projects.
• Commission, edit, and publish external scholars’ articles on Human Progress.
• Research, analyze, and synthesize complex information, evaluating policy implications.
• Organize policy forums and events on relevant topics.

Minimum Requirements

• 3+ years in public policy, research, or related fields; relevant postgraduate education preferred.
• PhD in psychology (preferably evolutionary and social, but also cultural, existential, or developmental). Candidates finishing a PhD are encouraged to apply.
• Commitment to Cato’s values of individual freedom and limited government.
• Understanding of relevant psychological literature.

Skills

• Self-starter with ability to work independently and collaboratively under deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
• Exceptional writing and verbal skills.
• Interpersonal skills for collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% periodically.

Benefits

Includes health insurance, HSA contributions, generous leave, parental leave, life and disability insurance, 401(k) match, transit benefits, pet discount plan.

How to Apply

Submit a single PDF with a cover letter and resume via Talent Market: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/. For questions, contact Bailey Drouant at [e-mail]. Applications are rolling, until filled. Only direct applications considered. No phone inquiries.

Additional Information

Position is full-time, mid-senior level, in think tanks industry, based in Washington, DC or remote.