The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) has an immediate opening for a research assistant. This position will support the research and writing of economists and policy analysts at EPI. EPI is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that researches the impact of economic trends and policies on typical families in the United States. EPI’s mission is to ensure that the economic policy addresses the interests and concerns of low- and middle-income households. EPI is a key institution in the movement for economic justice in the United States and is widely recognized as a source of authoritative analysis on economic trends, with a particular focus on economic inequality. The RA will work on a variety of issue areas, including macroeconomic and labor market analysis (including wages, employment, and unemployment), the federal budget, EPI’s program on race, ethnicity and the economy (PREE), and state-level economic and policy analysis.
Requirements include:
- BA in economics, math, or other related social science field (e.g., public policy or political science);
- Strong quantitative skills;
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to gather, analyze, and present a wide variety of economic data;
- Ability to present findings through tables, figures, and literature reviews with meticulous documentation;
- Assist in the publications process of reports, issue briefs, blog posts, etc.;
- Strong Excel expertise, including graphics creation;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to work well on a team and to work on several projects simultaneously;
- Previous work experience as a research assistant or in a similar position is a plus;
- Familiarity with labor market and microeconomic survey data and/or experience analyzing data using SAS or STATA desired.
The RA job at EPI is a substantive position, with the vast majority of the RA’s time spent engaged in quantitative and qualitative research and writing. This is a full-time position that offers an excellent benefits package, and a starting salary in the range of $45,000-47,000 (depending on experience). This position also offers excellent opportunities for on-the-job training. For example, EPI RAs receive extensive training to use STATA and WordPress. Past EPI RAs have gone on to complete advanced degrees in social science, law, and other public policy fields. Former RAs are employed in tenured or tenure-track jobs in academia, for institutions like the Federal Reserve or the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), or in other DC or state-based think tanks. There is no other entry-level policy job in DC that offers work as substantive or training that is deeper and more relevant for those wanting to begin a career in progressive policy.
EPI is an EOE employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage everyone across the spectrums of race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and religion to apply.
To apply, send cover letter, resume and a list of three references to researchjob@epi.org. No phone calls please. The cover letter should state when the applicant will be available to start work. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.
