Research Associate – Trade and General Economics Policy

The Cato Institute seeks qualified candidates for a full-time research associate working for the Vice President of General Economics and Cato’s Herbert

A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. The research associate will provide direct research, analytical, and writing support on economic issues, including, but not limited to, international trade, subsidies and industrial policy, manufacturing and supply chains, interstate commerce, labor policy, and economic dynamism. This position will help produce original policy analysis in multiple formats, including working papers, blog posts, op‑ed, policy analyses, and books.

The research associate will be an integral part of the Vice President of General Economics’ workflow, assisting with new research, editing content, managing events, and undertaking specific administrative tasks. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial self‑starter, on the lookout for good research ideas and hooks to promote Cato’s work, and will have the opportunity to co‑author pieces. This role is available through our two‑year Research Associate program, in which participants 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.

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.

• Support the research of the Vice President and other members of Cato’s trade and general economics teams, as needed.
• Conduct general research and data analysis.
• Help draft op‑ed, reports, and other research products using original findings and peer‑reviewed academic research.
• Edit, fact‑check, and/or review various research products.
• Occasionally, co‑author policy analyses, working papers, peer‑reviewed academic papers, blog posts, and other empirical work.
• Occasionally, support the administrative and organizational needs of the team.

• Degree in economics, statistics, political science, or data science required.
• Proficiency with Excel required, and experience with Stata/R desirable.
• Evidence of good writing skills, with published blog posts or op‑ed preferred.
• No prior work experience required.
• An understanding of and commitment to Cato’s libertarian values.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work on multiple tasks both independently and as part of a collaborative team on a time‑sensitive basis.
• Strong writing and editing skills and a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Experience and comfort in using economic data.
• Ability and willingness to challenge and question ideas.
• Familiarity with basic trade and economic policies and concepts.

• Application Link
• CV/Resume
• Cover letter
• A writing sample

• 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.