Research Associate for Budget and Entitlement Policy

Responsibilities:

• Support the Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy with research and related administrative tasks, helping produce analysis for publications like working papers, blog posts, and op-eds.
• Produce the weekly Debt Digest and similar newsletter features by synthesizing fiscal developments, analyzing budget data, and drafting concise summaries.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in economics or political science, with no prior work experience required but a passion for economics, government policy, and libertarianism.
• Familiarity with basic economic and budgeting concepts, plus empirical skills and knowledge of R, STATA, and Excel are advantageous.
• Strong organizational, writing, and analytical skills, with intellectual curiosity and the ability to question assumptions and advance new ideas.

Application Process:

• Submit a single PDF file containing a CV/resume, a cover letter/intro email, and two work samples such as original data analyses, research reports, or blog posts.
• The position offers flexible arrangements including hybrid, fully remote, or on-site options at the Cato Institute's office.