Domestic Outreach and Research Assistant/Associate

The Center for Economic and Policy Research, a Washington DC think tank, seeks a qualified individual who can assist CEPR’s Co-Director with outreach, research and administrative support. This is a full-time position with the possibility of flexible or remote work schedules. Our organization consists of forty staff, including economists, policy experts, communications and other professionals who conduct research on, and help educate the public about, economic and foreign policy. 

Job description: This Outreach and Research Assistant/ Associate will primarily support the research and writing of CEPR’s co-director, with other duties as needed. The selected candidate will assist in gathering, organizing, and presenting economic data and literature, and will need to be able to effectively communicate findings while carefully documenting how their work is produced. The individual may work on a variety of issue areas, most notably the role of private equity in health care. The individual will also contribute to efforts to effectively communicate and promote CEPR’s work to policymakers, allied organizations, and the public.

This is a substantive position that offers numerous opportunities to hone one’s skills while conducting rigorous research, and to undertake independent research projects. It is an ideal fit for someone looking to begin or develop an impactful career in the social sciences, grounded in a commitment to economic justice. Previous CEPR RAs have gone on to complete advanced degrees at Harvard and MIT; have secured tenure-track faculty positions in academia; or are employed in leadership positions in government or at other think tanks.

Qualifications:  Applicants should have excellent writing and editing skills, experience doing quantitative analysis, intellectual curiosity as well as some knowledge of the domestic policy issues that CEPR focuses on, and a passion for economic and social justice. In addition, applicants should be proactive, good at problem solving, have strong interpersonal abilities and be able to operate in a fast-paced work environment.  The ideal candidate will also possess most or all of the following qualifications. However, CEPR will consider strong candidates whose experience and capabilities are roughly equivalent.

– Bachelor’s degree or higher

–  Experience with statistical software packages, especially Stata or R   

 – Interest in learning about private equity & assisting with research on its role in healthcare

– Ability to conduct research projects independently and take initiative when trouble-shooting

– Some knowledge of contemporary economic issues

Additionally, individuals hired at the Associate level should possess considerable relevant professional experience. This may include experience interfacing with outside stakeholders, e.g. policymakers and/or community-based advocacy organizations; experience conducting social science research, particularly with a substantial quantitative component; and/or experience working with large datasets. Those hired at this level should possess competence to undertake research or writing assignments with little to no supervision. Previous experience working in a research-oriented or nonprofit setting is also preferred.

Compensation: CEPR offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, retirement contributions, medical, vision, dental, and disability insurance, and professional development funds. The salary for this position is based on skills and experience and will typically range from $53,558 to $61,546 annually, with yearly cost-of-living increases. There is some upward flexibility on salary for an exceptionally qualified candidate. CEPR is a unionized workplace and is represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). This position is bargaining unit eligible and reports to CEPR’s Co-Director.

Closing Date of Position: May 21, 2022 (11:59 PM, Eastern time)

In rare, extenuating circumstances, the application period may be extended or shortened. In the event that it is shortened, CEPR will update this posting to notify candidates that they have seven days to apply.