Research Assistant, The Hamilton Project (Job ID: 2026-3893)

1000scholars; Washington; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous time off

Workplace flexibility

Job summary

Brookings Institution, based in Washington, DC, seeks a Research Assistant for the Economic Studies Program and The Hamilton Project. You will support policy research, develop data dashboards, and contribute to empirical analyses on macroeconomic topics.

Responsibilities include policy development support, data analysis in STATA/R, and coordination of drafts and timelines. A strong quantitative background, writing skills, and a Bachelor’s degree in economics or related field are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics or related field required.
• Experience in economics or policy research required.
• Strong quantitative and analytic skills; strong writing and editing abilities.
• Proficiency with Stata or R, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Research and Policy Development: discuss and review policy areas with Hamilton Project staff, develop research ideas for policy commissions.
• Support policy development by researching policy areas and monitoring current research activity.
• Independently analyze data in Excel, STATA, R or similar software and present findings clearly in visuals and writing.
• Create and maintain charts, figures, and data interactives for Hamilton Project papers.
• Writing and Editing: co-author Economic Facts and empirical analyses; develop THP data dashboards.
• Production Coordination: manage policy proposal timelines, coordinate feedback, and perform quality control with communications staff.

Skills

Quantitative analytics

Policy research

Writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economics or related field

Tools

Stata

R

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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 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 policy proposals on raising revenue through tax reform, the social insurance system including nutrition assistance, the labor market and enhancing wage growth in light of AI, and on eldercare, early childhood and education, and healthcare. 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?

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.
• Develop and maintain THP data dashboards on a variety of topics.

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.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill 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, particularly domestic economic 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

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, 2027.

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).

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.

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.

Because of recruiting volume, we can only accept applications for positions that are currently open and only those applicants who are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

Equal-Opportunity Employer: Brookings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all of our employees and applicants without regard to their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, age, disability (including physical or mental impairment), HIV/AIDS status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, citizenship status, family responsibilities, gender identity or expression, genetic information, matriculation, union membership, political affiliation, veteran status, military status, membership in the National Guard or other reserve components of the armed forces (including being called for active duty) or any other prohibited basis of discrimination as required by law.