ApplyJob Type
Full-timeDescriptionThe Cato Institute seeks qualified candidates for a full-time research associate specializing in energy and environmental policy. The ideal candidate will have exceptional research skills, proficiency in economics, energy, and environmental policy, and a strong commitment to advancing individual liberty. Successful candidates will be entrepreneurial, hard-working self-starters who want to contribute to a growing policy center.This role is available through our two-year Research Associate program, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from senior Cato staff and guest lecturers across academia and the policy community.
With ample opportunities to attend educational sessions, network with peers and scholars, and gain mentorship from some of the nation’s foremost public policy scholars, Cato research associates can excel as leaders in policy, academia, government, business, and beyond. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. The starting salary for the Research Associate position is $52,000.
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 a 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, free markets, and peace – animate Cato’s research to this day.The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Responsibilities
- Support the research of the Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Studies, as well as other scholars, on an as-needed basis.
- Conduct general research and data analysis using Stata, R, and/or Excel.
- Help draft reports and other research products using original findings and peer-reviewed academic research.
- Edit, fact-check, and/or review various research products.
- Support the administrative and organizational needs and events of the team.
- Help in the selection and supervision of interns.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, or public policy, or equivalent work experience in those fields. A master’s degree in a related field is a plus.
- An understanding of the fundamentals of economics, particularly the role of dynamic competition and entrepreneurship
- Expertise with the Microsoft Office suite. Familiarity with Stata, R, or another similar statistical package is a plus.
- An understanding of and strong commitment to Cato’s libertarian values.
Skills
- Ability to structure and write descriptive as well as persuasive material.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, with keen attention to detail, quality, and accuracy.
- Reliability, a strong work ethic, and a positive, professional mindset.
- Problem-solving initiative and openness to learning new processes and skills.
- Ability to foster internal and external relationships.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials:
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.
