Research Assistant: Foreign and Defense Policy; Demographics and Political Economy

Overview

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to work with international political economy scholar Nicholas Eberstadt. The position’s major responsibilities include conducting research on topics in demographics and political economy. Assignments will include data collection and analysis, and administrative duties will include scheduling and organizing events, among other responsibilities. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible. Soon-to-be graduates are welcome to apply.

This position requires outstanding qualitative and quantitative research skills, particularly strong experience with data analysis and the ability to solve problems independently. Proficiency in Python, R, or Stata is required. Skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint are preferred. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated interest in topics pertaining to demographics and international political economy and be well organized, intellectually curious, and strong writers.

This position is not supervisory and reports to Dr. Eberstadt and the Foreign and Defense Policy program manager.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on any topic.

Responsibilities

• Core Responsibilities
  • Research, write, and edit to support research and policy papers, studies, and reports on demographics, political economy, and economics.
  • Collect and analyze data, provide background research, and write memos.
  • Help plan, organize, and coordinate major public events and private meetings by inviting speakers, drafting public invitations, preparing materials, and coordinating all logistics with AEI’s Events department and media team.
  • Manage long-term scholarly projects by drafting proposals, mapping timelines, and preparing regular progress reports for AEI management.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Coordinate various activities and ensure proper communication among AEI departments and teams including Government Relations, Academic Programs, Development, and media.
  • Manage logistics and administrative tasks, including scheduling, tracking expenses, and planning and staffing public-facing events, private meetings, and roundtables.

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• 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 vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, 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.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in economics, political economy, mathematics, or statistics (required)0–2 years of previous experience, through either an internship or a paid positionProficiency in Python, R, or Stata (required)Skills in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel (preferred)Data analysis skills (required)Strong writing and editing skills, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and facility with deadlines

BenefitsAEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/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 FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits at https://www.aei.org/jobs/benefits/.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as 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.