Research Assistant, Center and Social Mobility; Workforce and AI

The Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility (COSM) at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time research assistant to work in person with COSM scholars, principally Brent Orrell. The new research assistant will begin in summer 2026.

Launched at the beginning of 2023, COSM seeks to shrink opportunity gaps facing disadvantaged Americans and strengthen social mobility by publishing rigorous research and developing innovative policy solutions.

The research assistant will study a wide variety of issues related to AI and the future of work, the merits of flexible education and training pathways, the skills needed for success in the modern workforce, economic and civic development in rural areas, and more.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter noting their interest in AI and the future of work, unofficial academic transcripts, and a writing sample on any topic.

• Assist Mr. Orrell in planning and executing private gatherings, public events, and conferences.
• Support research by retrieving and analyzing data and conducting literature reviews on topics related to AI’s effect on the labor market, development in rural America, and other topics.
• Coordinate between internal and external contacts to manage Mr. Orrell’s ongoing projects; schedule calls and meetings; and manage Mr. Orrell’s calendar.
• Edit and contribute to scholarly papers, articles for a general audience, op-eds, newsletters, and books.
• Create and format charts, graphic displays, and tables.
• Coordinate and work with the rest of COSM’s research team to support the center’s broader mission and projects.
• Work internally with other AEI teams on outreach for scholars’ work.
• Regularly track coverage by key media outlets that overlaps with ongoing projects.
• Provide administrative support as needed.

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close‑up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• A bachelor’s degree (required), preferably in political science, the humanities, economics, or a related field
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full‑time work experience
• Prior experience planning and executing events (required)
• Related internship experience (preferred)
• A demonstrated interest in public policy and AI’s economic implications (required)
• Comfort using AI tools creatively for projects, research, and task organization
• Comfort working both independently and on a team
• Strong initiative

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and three personal days or floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees;

and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 12 percent contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position’s scope and responsibilities; a candidate’s full‑time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full‑time, exempt position is $50,000–$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.