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Full Time Think Tank Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times

Researcher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$97K - $98K/yr

This is a full-time (35 hours a week) position with a Tuesday-Saturday work week and a schedule ... think tanks, universities, genealogies, social media, and public records aggregators.

Cato Institute

Marketing Coordinator

Washington, DC · On-site

$48K - $80K/yr

About Cato The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization-a think tank-dedicated to ... full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship. To Apply Qualified candidates ...

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Full Time Think Tank Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do full time think tank researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time think tank researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Full Time Think Tank Researcher do?

A Full Time Think Tank Researcher conducts in-depth analysis on policy issues, gathers and interprets data, and produces reports or recommendations to inform public policy and decision-making. They often collaborate with other experts, attend conferences, and present findings to stakeholders such as government officials, academics, or the public. Their work typically focuses on areas like economics, social policy, international relations, or technology, depending on the think tank's mission.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time think tank researchers when balancing independent research with collaborative projects?

Full-time think tank researchers often juggle a mix of independent research and collaborative projects, which can present unique challenges. Balancing deep dives into specialized topics with the need to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams requires strong time management and clear communication. Researchers may find it challenging to align their own interests with broader organizational priorities or to integrate feedback from multiple stakeholders. However, these dynamics also offer opportunities to broaden expertise and contribute to impactful, policy-relevant work. Building strong relationships with colleagues and maintaining flexibility can help researchers navigate these challenges successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Think Tank Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Think Tank Researcher, you generally need strong analytical skills, expertise in data analysis, and a relevant advanced degree (often in public policy, economics, or a related field). Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), research databases, and academic citation tools is essential. Exceptional written and verbal communication, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure rigorous research, credible policy recommendations, and effective dissemination of findings to stakeholders.

What is the difference between Full Time Think Tank Researcher vs Policy Analyst?

AspectFull Time Think Tank ResearcherPolicy Analyst
CredentialsMaster's or PhD in political science, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with advanced degrees in related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, think tank offices, policy institutesGovernment agencies, NGOs, consulting firms
Industry UsagePrimarily in research institutions and policy centersIn government, advocacy groups, and consulting

Both roles require advanced education and involve policy research, but Full Time Think Tank Researchers focus on in-depth analysis within research institutions, while Policy Analysts often work in government or advocacy settings applying research to policy development.

More about Full Time Think Tank Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Think Tank Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Think Tank Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Think Tank Researcher jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Think Tank Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Think Tank Researcher jobs are:
Full Time Think Tank Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Think Tank Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Research Associate for Budget and Entitlement Policy

Research Associate for Budget and Entitlement Policy

Cato Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$57K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Cato Institute is seeking a Research Associate to support the Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy with research and related administrative tasks.
The Research Associate will help produce research summaries and original policy analysis for different publications, including working papers, blog posts, op-eds, tweets, and books. They will support the Director with topical briefs, fiscal data analyses, and organizational tasks that support Cato's mission. The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of economics and is a self-starter, curious, and detail-oriented.
This position could be hybrid, fully remote, or at Cato's office.
The projected salary range for this role is $57,000 - $62,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.
About Cato
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization-a think tank-dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.
Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato's Letters , a series of essays published in 18th- century England that presented a vision of society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution - individual liberty, limited government, and free markets - turn out to be even more powerful in today's world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.
Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Responsibilities
  • Support the research of the Budget and Entitlement Policy team.
  • Support the administrative and organizational needs of the Budget and Entitlement Policy team.
  • Produce the weekly Debt Digest, including synthesizing fiscal developments, analyzing budget data, and drafting concise summaries for publication, and similar newsletter features.

Requirements
Education and Experience
  • A bachelor's degree in economics or political science.
  • No prior work experience required.

Skills
  • Passion for the intersection of economics, government policy, and libertarianism.
  • Familiarity with basic economic and budgeting concepts.
  • Empirical skills and familiarity with R, STATA, Excel, and other statistical programs are a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills and a commitment to accuracy.
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Intellectual curiosity and demonstrated ability to question assumptions, think independently, and advance new ideas.

To Apply
Please submit the following materials in one PDF file:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter/Intro Email.
  • Two work samples (original data analyses, research reports, working papers, peer-reviewed articles, dissertations, data memos, blog posts, etc.).

Benefits
All Cato employees are provided with:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Generous vacation and sick days
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employer-provided life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) employer match
  • Transit/Parking benefits
  • Pet discount plan

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

Apply