Research Jobs in District of Columbia
Research jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in Washington, D.C., where think tanks, federal agencies, and major universities drive continuous demand for policy researchers, social scientists, and data analysts at every level from research associate to senior fellow. Top employers with a lasting D.C. presence include the Brookings Institution, the Urban Institute, and RAND Corporation, alongside a dense cluster of federal contractors and government agencies headquartered in the region. The most in-demand specialties are public policy research, health policy analysis, and social and behavioral science. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.
Requirements
Job Overview
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), under the School of Foreign Service, is seeking applications for Senior Research Analyst position(s). CSET is a research organization focused on studying the security impacts of emerging technologies, supporting academic work in security and technology studies, and delivering nonpartisan analysis to technologists and policymakers. CSET currently focuses on artificial intelligence, advanced computing and biotechnology.
Senior Research Analysts will report to CSET’s Director of Analysis or appropriate Research Lead (Research Fellow or Senior Fellow) and will be responsible for:
Designing new research projects within an established research area, scoping research questions, and managing collaborators (including GU student research affiliates) with limited additional supervision from Research Lead/Research Fellow.
Authoring and coauthoring written publications with limited ongoing supervision of Research Lead/Research Fellow.
Assisting Research Fellows in ongoing project management tasks like coordinating internal reviews, convening project brownbags, ensuring timeline compliance, and navigating the publications process.
Collaborating with Research Fellows, other Research Analysts (including Data Research Analysts and Sr. Research Analysts), Data Scientists, and Center leadership to design research proposals and execute resulting research products.
Providing research support such as compiling literature reviews, conducting open-source research and analysis, collecting and annotating data, and writing and editing.
Developing and delivering presentations and briefs for policy-making audiences on topics related to emerging technologies, specifically those reflected in CSET Lines of Research and associated policy considerations.
Designing research plans for data-focused analytic tasks, such as identifying potential data sources; determining data quality management strategies; devising analysis plans within the constraints of project planning and timelines, and executing the research plan in coordination with more junior researchers.
Generating data presentations and graphics suitable for reports, briefs
and other CSET products with limited ongoing supervision of Research Fellows.
Motivating, coaching and challenging colleagues to provide quality projects and advance their skill set
Attending DC briefings and events and providing summaries to other CSET team members.
Monitoring trends and developments in CSET areas of interest and national security policy.
Upholding CSET’s mission, vision and values
Contributing to CSET’s organizational development, including contributing to internal working groups, seminars, leading and coordinating professional development activities and discussions
Requirements and Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 5+ years of experience in research and policy analysis including familiarity with interpreting and visualizing data, OR
Masters’ degree in relevant field and 2+ years of experience in research and policy analysis including familiarity with interpreting and visualizing data;
Published at least 3 papers comparable to a CSET issue/policy brief (Example 1, Ex. 2) as lead/individual or co-author;
Competence in at least one of CSET’s research topics or analytic methodologies;
Ability to carry on assigned tasks with limited supervision and to coach/guide colleagues to complete their tasks successfully;
Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research projects;
Proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets (e,.g., pivot tables, vlookup);
Familiarity with at least one statistical analysis language/program like Python, R, STATA, SAS, or, SPSS (or equivalents);
Proven experience taking initiative, seeking and starting projects independently, and pursuing professional development and growth;
Proficiency with office productivity tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Office, etc.;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Excellent problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills;
Motivated, enthusiastic, intellectually curious, and self-driven, and;
Ability to execute research designs and produce finished products (i.e., not just a thinker, but a do-er).
Ability to work successfully in a highly collaborative team environment
Alignment with CSET’s mission, values and culture
Work Mode Designation
This position has been designated as Hybrid. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.
This position is based in the United States and offers no relocation assistance. This position is not eligible for a specialty-occupation sponsorship and, accordingly, this position requires that all applicants be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship from Georgetown University.
If you’re unsure whether you are qualified for this position, please see our careers page for leveling guidance.
PLEASE NOTE:
A complete application must include the following:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter that addresses the following questions:
- Writing Sample: Please provide a self-selected writing sample of at least two pages (e.g., class paper, prior project work, etc.)
If you have any questions with regard to completing and/or submitting your application, please email csetcareers@georgetown.edu.
Pay Range:
The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:
$54,616.00 - $100,493.33Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.
Current Georgetown Employees:
If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.
Need Assistance:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.
EEO Statement:
GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits:
Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.
See All 162+ Research Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Research JobsResearch Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Children's National Hospital14

- Foundation for Defense of Democracies11

- Georgetown University10

- Howard University8

- The National Academies7

Top Industries Hiring
- Education18
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Science & Research3
- Technology & Software3
- Government & Public Sector3
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant social science, policy, or technical field
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting quantitative or qualitative research studies
- Proficiency with statistical software such as Stata, R, SAS, or Python
- Strong writing skills for producing policy briefs, reports, and peer-reviewed publications
- Familiarity with federal data sources, government datasets, or regulatory research processes
- Experience presenting findings to government stakeholders, funders, or interdisciplinary teams
Research Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research in District of Columbia?
Most research positions in D.C. require at minimum a bachelor's degree, though master's and doctoral credentials are standard at think tanks, federal agencies, and contractors. There is no state-issued research license in D.C., but roles tied to federal grants or agency contracts often require background clearance eligibility. Entry-level candidates typically build their path through graduate programs at George Washington University, Georgetown, or American University, then move into junior analyst or research associate roles.
Which companies hire researchs in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia research roles are posted by Children's National Hospital, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Georgetown University and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. D.C.'s concentration of federal agencies, nonprofit policy organizations, and government contractors makes it one of the most active research hiring markets in the country.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most research jobs?
Washington and Foggy Bottom have the most research openings in District of Columbia. Washington, D.C. itself dominates the distribution because it is the seat of federal government and home to the country's densest concentration of think tanks, policy institutes, and government contractors, which draws research demand into the surrounding metro areas of Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland as well.
Are there remote research jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 63% of research openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on analysis, writing, and data rather than on-site fieldwork. Policy research, literature reviews, and data analysis roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements, while positions requiring classified access or direct community-based fieldwork remain predominantly on-site.
How can I get hired as a research in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or junior analyst role at a D.C. think tank, federal agency, or university research center. Organizations like the Urban Institute, the Pew Research Center, and American University's research centers regularly bring on entry-level candidates with strong academic backgrounds. A master's thesis, published writing sample, or data analysis portfolio carries significant weight in lieu of formal work experience, and internships with federal agencies or policy organizations are a direct pipeline to full-time offers.
Where can I find and apply to research jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to research jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current D.C. openings updated in real time. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and specialization, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 162+ Research Jobs in District of Columbia
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