Research Associate – Technology Policy

Description

The Cato Institute seeks a self-starter Research Associate to join the technology policy. The Research Associate will primarily report to the Technology Policy Research Fellow but will be responsible for supporting the work of several of Cato’s technology policy scholars on a variety of topics including AI, antitrust, online speech and content moderation, and data privacy. The Research Associate is integral to the team’s workflow, helping with new research, editing content, assisting with event management, and undertaking certain administrative tasks.

This position will help produce original policy analysis in multiple different formats, including working papers, blog posts, op-eds, policy analyses, and books. They will have the opportunity to co-author certain pieces with other members of the team and will be encouraged to present new research ideas and hooks to promote Cato scholars’ work.

This role is available through the two-year Research Associate program, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from senior staff and featured guest lecturers across academia and the business community. With ample opportunities to attend these educational sessions, network with peers and scholars, and gain mentorship from some of the nation’s foremost public policy scholars, you’ll be well prepared to excel as a leader in policy, academia, government, business, and beyond.

This position is a hybrid role in the Washington, DC office.

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, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.

Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

• Support the research of the members of the technology policy team.
• Conduct data analysis using Stata, R, and/or Excel.
• Conduct general or detailed research as required and help draft reports and other research products based on original findings and peer-reviewed academic research.
• Assist in preparing presentable statistical output in the form of charts and graphics.
• Edit, fact-check, and/or review various research products.
• Occasionally co-author policy analyses, working papers, peer-reviewed academic papers, law review articles, blog posts, and other work with members of the technology policy team.

• Production of visualizations via our visualization tool to be shared on social media and occasionally charts for PowerPoint presentations.
• Help with logistics for events like lectures, panel discussions, and book forums.

• Support the administrative and organizational needs of the technology policy team.
• Help in the selection and supervision of interns.

Requirements

Education/ Experience

• A degree in economics, political science, computer science, law, or a related field is required.
• No prior work experience required.
• Familiarity with basic macroeconomic and microeconomic concepts.
• Experience and comfort in conducting legal research.

• Knowledge of Excel, Python, and, ideally, SQL.

• A demonstrated appreciation for and commitment to Cato’s mission and principles.

 Skills

• High level of curiosity and ability to productively challenge ideas.

• Strong organizational skills, including working on multiple tasks independently and as part of a team on a time-sensitive basis.
• Strong writing and editing skills, 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 receive and act on direct, constructive feedback.

To Apply

Submit the following required materials in one PDF file:

• CV/Resume.
• Cover letter – discussing why you are interested in the Cato Institute and technology policy
• Two writing samples (research reports, working papers, legal briefs, law review articles, dissertation chapters, data memos, blog posts, etc.)

 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