Entry Level Think Tank Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted, and most trusted think tanks! 

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. 

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.

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. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

Economic Studies (ES) is committed to investing in the next generation of economic policy experts; each year ES employs approximately twenty research assistants for two year appointments. We aim to recruit top talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to work on emerging and critical policy issues and offer innovative policy recommendations to improve the nation's economic future. Research Assistant positions in Economic Studies are entry-level and involve data analysis, verification of statistical and other material in manuscripts, statistical calculations, literature searches, and drafting written materials.

We are recruiting for multiple research assistants for the following centers or projects. You will be asked to rank your interest in the following:

The Center for Economic Security and Opportunity (CESO). CESO works at the interface of economic and social policy to promote three foundational pillars for broad-based prosperity: (1) Meeting fundamental needs through a robust safety net and good jobs, (2) Building skills through quality education, training, and opportunities for personal development, and (3) Strengthening capacities of families and communities through investment in the care economy, immigrant integration, and other social infrastructure. Our work is non-partisan and data driven.

The Hutchins Center. The mission of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy is to improve the quality and efficacy of fiscal and monetary policies and public understanding of them. It does this by conducting and commissioning research, convening public and private events, and explaining current economic policy issues for a broad audience.

Center on Health Policy (CHP) produces rigorous research and analysis that informs the national health care policy debate. Recent and ongoing research examines impediments to prescription drug competition, strategies to enhance insurance coverage, provider consolidation, insurance market design, and policies to improve mental and behavioral health care in the U.S.

The Center on Regulation and Markets (CRM) provides independent, non-partisan research on regulatory policymaking, the regulatory process, and the efficient and equitable functioning of economic markets. CRM accomplishes this through a broad range of research, publications, and events that foster informed debate among academic experts, practitioners, and policymakers. CRM currently has several focal areas, including (1) artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, (2) climate change & energy, (3) the future of work, (4) financial markets and fintech, and (5) consumer protection. 

The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC) aims to provide independent analyses of current and longer-term tax issues and to communicate its analyses to the public and to policymakers in a timely and accessible manner. The Center combines top national experts in tax, expenditure, budget policy, and microsimulation modeling to concentrate on overarching areas of tax policy that are critical to future debate.

Research Assistants support scholars across a variety of quantitative, analytical, and communications activities. The allocation of duties below describes the average division between tasks; the actual work will vary depending on the project needs of the scholars or centers to whom the Research Assistant is assigned and some assignments emphasize policy research and communications more than quantitative analysis.

During the first year, research assistants focus on supporting scholar-led research rather than pursuing independent research. This position is best suited for those who have received an undergraduate degree in Economics, Mathematics, or other social sciences with a minor in Economics. The starting annual salary is $58,000. Preferred start date is between June 1 and July 31, 2027.

More information about being a research assistant in Economic Studies may be found here.

Quantitative Analysis, Programming, and Statistical Support (50%)

• Work closely with senior scholars, prepare and revise programming code, simulation macros, and regression estimates.

• Analyze data, using statistical software (e.g. Stata, R) and spreadsheets.

• Prepare tables and graphs output from model simulations.

• Assemble, consolidate, update, and check data from new sources and existing databases.

Research Support (40%)

• In collaboration with senior research staff, draft material summarizing research results on specific topics as assigned, for incorporation into working papers and project publications.

• Provide analytical reviews and summaries of existing literature pertinent to the projects.

• Locate and collect relevant documents and data from sources such as electronic databases, libraries, and government publications.

• Compile, read, abstract, and organizes written material into bibliographic form and summaries.

• Maintain electronic bibliography files.

• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned. 

Project Support, Communications, and Outreach (10%)

• Update web pages in support of the scholar's area of interest.

• Write and edit summaries to be posted on pages relating to scholar's work.

• Gather related bibliographic, link, and current event information in support of pages to be created for a scholar's topic area.

• Work with ES communications team to prepare, lay out, and post scholar's work for publication on the web site.

• Coordinate with ES communications team on scholar's publication schedule.

• Assist designated scholar(s) with event preparation and logistics as needed.

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: 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Mathematics/Statistics, or Public Policy; or a bachelor's degree in another social science field with a minor in Economics by summer 2027.

• Ability to undertake research assignments with an appropriate level of supervision.

• Experience with software such as STATA, R, or other econometric packages.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in economics, policy research, and/or computer-based research, which may include experience gained through part-time work, work in a college setting, or internships.

• Experience working with large datasets and models.

• Independent research experience.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Application Procedure

Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2026. Please read and follow all application procedures carefully.Each center may follow a different selection process, which may include a skills assessment, an interview, or both. Applicants may be contacted by multiple centers.

Applications will be reviewed after the deadline and only applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted. We expect to complete selections by mid-November.

A complete application must include ALL of following items:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• A copy of your unofficial undergraduate transcript (and a graduate transcript if applicable)

  • If you are submitting an international transcript, please be sure to include a Grade Key

• Two letters of recommendation from professors or past employers/supervisors (at least one letter of recommendation should be academic, the second can be academic or professional).Please have your recommenders send their letters directly to Jennifer Ambrosino at jambrosino@brookings.edu.

Questions?

Please review our FAQs here. If you have additional questions, contact Jennifer Ambrosino - jambrosino@brookings.edu

Save your uploaded documents in the following format: First Name Last Name JOB ID Document Name

Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Important note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you must add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Additional Information 

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.