Research Assistant; Tax Policy Center

About Urban Institute

The Urban Institute is a research-to-impact institution founded on one simple idea:
To improve lives and strengthen communities, we need practices and policies that work. From advancing well‑being to fostering shared prosperity, leaders across sectors are working every day to create brighter futures for all people and communities. For more than 50 years, we have delivered evidence and solutions that drive meaningful change, and this remains our charge today.

To drive impact by equipping changemakers with evidence and solutions.

Collaboration, Fairness, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity.

The Urban‑Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC) improves tax and fiscal policy decision‑making through independent, timely, and accessible analysis. Using a microsimulation model comparable to those used by federal scorekeepers, we show how policies affect taxpayers, revenues, and the economy. Our results are used by stakeholders across the ideological spectrum and widely cited in the press. Beyond the model, TPC’s nationally recognized experts conduct research on emerging issues and provide technical assistance to policymakers at all levels of government.

We also educate policymakers, advocates, journalists, and the public about the tax code and how to use it to advance economic and social policy.

• Work with TPC’s microsimulation models
• Collect and analyze data
• Conduct background research and literature reviews
• Collaborate on written products such as blog posts, policy briefs, and research papers
• Produce graphics for publications and the TPC website
• Other duties assigned by the supervisor

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or other Social Sciences (Public Policy, Political Science, Sociology, etc.)
• Be familiar with basic econometric techniques and data analysis software packages (Stata, R, or SAS)
• Exhibit excellent research and analytical skills, including prior experience formulating research questions and hypotheses, summarizing literature, and conducting data analysis
• Display strong organizational and communication skills
• Have excellent attention to detail
• Be a self‑motivated individual with the ability to prioritize workload and to work both independently and as part of a team
• Take the initiative to suggest improvements or innovations on assigned tasks
• Communicate respectfully with individuals of differing backgrounds and experience
• Hybrid work schedule is strongly preferred

Target salary range:
Min $52,520 - Mid $59,085 - Max $65,650. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal comparisons.

Benefits include generous paid time off (including nine federal holidays), medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, transit benefits, 403(b) retirement plan with immediate participation and employer contribution after six months of service, a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The Urban Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities.

If you have a disability and require special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources sonable accommodation requests are considered on a case‑by‑case basis.