Research Assistant (Job ID: 2024-3495)

The Brookings Institution

Aug 2

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Entry Level
Washington

Requirements

Required: Minimum bachelor's degree in public policy or other relevant fields including government, political science, other social sciences, or information technology; previous internship experience (preferably in a think tank, government, or other fields related to technology policy), as well as demonstrated experience with writing and/or editing and data analysis.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
Preferred: Previous relevant employment in government or other fields related to technology policy; publications; experience with collaborative software applications, spreadsheets, and data visualization. Experience reading and understanding legislation or other policy documents.
Required: Excellent writing and editing skills; critical thinking ability; strong interpersonal and organizational skills; strong attention to detail; curiosity and eagerness to learn; ability to work quickly and effectively distill and communicate complex information; ability to work independently and prioritize both one’s own work and the work of others among multiple competing tasks; patience and active listening; ability to communicate orally and in writing with individuals at all levels in a professional and appropriate tone; ability to multitask and meet high standards in a fast-paced environment. Works well on a team with moving tasks and responsibilities.
Preferred: Demonstrated experience, skills, or interest in data privacy, artificial intelligence, digital equity, or other technology policy topics. Knowledge and familiarity with legislative process and of U.S. federal regulatory agencies, such as FCC and FTC, as well as global internet governance entities. Quantitative research and presentation skills a plus, including knowledge of STATA, data visualization tools, or another other statistical package, database management.

Responsibilities

- Tracks current developments in relevant global and domestic policy research areas, including legislation, regulatory policies, and executive orders on technology policy issues of concern.
- Identifies and collects appropriate primary and secondary source information for CTI scholarship on assigned research topics.
- Reads sources for relevancy to research themes; compiles bibliographies and chronologies; collects qualitative and quantitative data on project issues.
- Compiles, reads, abstracts, synthesizes, analyzes, and organizes written and electronic material into summarized form.
- Writes briefing memos and synthesizes research materials; prepares notes and reports on meetings and conferences; compiles abstracts, summaries, bibliographies, and analyses of books, articles, and reports.
- Provides editing support for writing projects; updates and checks existing data and footnotes; provides fact checking, copyediting, and proof-reading of documents in preparation for publication, as needed.
- Ensures that scholars are prepared for external events, meetings, and media appearances as needed, including by preparing talking points and conducting background research.
- Coordinates and attends meetings, symposia, conferences, and hearings relevant to research projects; and summarizes content.
- Works with other CTI research assistants, associates, and interns on assigned projects.
- Prepares and independently analyzes data and produces written summaries of qualitative and quantitative data.
- Works closely with Brookings research, communications, events, and development staff as necessary to ensure research deliverables are produced in a timely fashion.
- Collaborates with GS communications staff on matters pertaining to public/private events, web site content, and outreach, as needed.
- Assists with project management on long-term projects by helping to manage workflows and timelines, outreach, materials, and logistics.
- Assists with travel and reimbursements for assigned scholars and scheduling, as needed.
- Provides support for funding efforts, as needed, including gathering information and drafting proposals when requested.
- Works with other CTI Research and Administrative Staff to identify and select intern(s), as relevant.
- Provides other administrative support for Center activities, as needed and assigned.

FAQs

Do we support remote work?

Yes, we offer a hybrid format that combines regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

What is the main focus of the Research Assistant position?

The Research Assistant provides research, writing, editing, and administrative support directly to scholars in the Center for Technology Innovation, focusing on technology policy issues such as privacy, artificial intelligence, and data governance.

What are the educational requirements for this position?

A minimum bachelor's degree in public policy or relevant fields such as government, political science, other social sciences, or information technology is required.

Is previous internship experience necessary?

Yes, previous internship experience, preferably in a think tank, government, or sectors related to technology policy, is necessary.

Are there additional skills preferred for applicants?

Preferred skills include experience with collaborative software applications, spreadsheets, data visualization, and familiarity with reading and understanding legislation or policy documents.

What type of writing skills are required?

Excellent writing and editing skills are required, including the ability to distill and communicate complex information effectively.

Will the Research Assistant have opportunities for collaboration?

Yes, the Research Assistant will work closely with other research assistants, associates, and interns on assigned projects and collaborate with various staff across Brookings.

Is a writing sample required for application?

Yes, applicants must submit a 500-2,000 word writing sample along with their cover letter and resume.

What benefits does Brookings offer?

Brookings provides a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility.

Is a background investigation required for employment?

Yes, successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

The Brookings Institution

Consulting

Industry

201-500

Employees

1916

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

For over 100 years, Brookings experts have conducted high-quality, independent research and produced innovative policy solutions for the nation and world. Brookings is proud to be consistently ranked as the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tank.