Research Assistant Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC
Washington DC is one of the most active markets for research assistant visa sponsorship in the country, driven by federal agencies, think tanks, universities, and international organizations. Institutions like Georgetown University, George Washington University, the Brookings Institution, and the National Institutes of Health regularly hire research assistants and have established visa sponsorship infrastructure.
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Join one of the most influential, most quoted, and most trusted think tanks!
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals:
- Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world
- Expand economic and social opportunity for all
- Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions
- Advance peace and security worldwide
At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor.
Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.
ABOUT THE ECONOMIC STUDIES PROGRAM:
The Brookings Economic Studies program provides analysis of current and emerging economic issues to promote innovative and practical policy solutions. Economic Studies scholars conduct rigorous research and policy analysis and communicate their findings to inform policymakers and the public in the areas of broad-based economic growth, economic opportunity and mobility, inclusive social policy, sound monetary and fiscal policy, and climate-resilient growth. To help organize, focus, and leverage their work, Economic Studies contains a variety of Centers, Projects, and major initiatives.
POSITION LOCATION:
This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.
Please note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities:
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
The Research Assistant undertakes research and policy analysis on a range of economic issues for the Economic Studies program. Under the supervision of the Vice President and Director of Economic Studies, duties for this position include:
- General research assistance, including literature searches, and other research-adjacent tasks
- Drafting working papers, blogs and other publications
- Factchecking various publications activity
Of particular note, this role will provide the opportunity to provide research assistance to a wide range of scholars in the program, and will offer the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad set of topics in economics and economic policy.
The starting annual salary is $58,000.
More information about being a research assistant in Economic Studies may be found here.
This position is starting as soon as possible.
RESEARCH SUPPORT (65%):
- Prepare and revise programming code and regression estimates
- Analyze data using statistical software (e.g. Stata, R) and spreadsheets
- Prepare tables and graphs
- Assemble, consolidate, update, and check data from new sources and existing databases
- In collaboration with scholars, draft material summarizing research results on specific topics as assigned, for incorporation into working papers and project publications
- Provide analytical reviews and summaries of existing literature pertinent to the projects
- Locate and collect relevant documents and data from sources such as electronic databases, libraries, and government publications
- Compile, read, abstract, and organize written material into bibliographic form and summaries
- Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned
PROJECT SUPPORT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND OUTREACH (35%):
- Perform rigorous factchecks adhering to Brookings’ established processes
- Write and edit summaries to be posted on pages relating to scholar's work
- Gather related bibliographic, link, and current event information in support of pages to be created for a scholar's topic area
- Work with communications staff to prepare, lay out, and post scholar’s work for publication on the web site
- Assist designated scholar(s) with event preparation and logistics as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Economics, Mathematics/Statistics, or Public Policy; or a bachelor's degree in another social science field with a minor in Economics
- Ability to undertake research assignments with an appropriate level of supervision
- Experience with Microsoft Office and software such as STATA, R, or other econometric packages
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Research experience in economics, policy research, and/or computer-based research, which may include experience gained through part-time work, work in a college setting, or internships
- Experience working with large datasets and economic models
- Independent research experience
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please read and follow all application procedures carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
A complete application will include ALL of the following items:
- Current resume
- Cover letter
- A copy of your latest (unofficial) undergraduate transcript (and a graduate transcript if applicable). If you are submitting an international transcript, please be sure to include a Grade Key
- One writing sample (research-based product)
Questions? Please review our FAQs here. If you have additional questions, contact Jennifer Ambrosino - jambrosino@brookings.edu
Save your uploaded documents in the following format: First Name Last Name JOB ID Document Name
Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you must add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.
Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply.
Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.
Overview:
Join one of the most influential, most quoted, and most trusted think tanks!
The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world. To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals:
- Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world
- Expand economic and social opportunity for all
- Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions
- Advance peace and security worldwide
At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor.
Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.
ABOUT THE ECONOMIC STUDIES PROGRAM:
The Brookings Economic Studies program provides analysis of current and emerging economic issues to promote innovative and practical policy solutions. Economic Studies scholars conduct rigorous research and policy analysis and communicate their findings to inform policymakers and the public in the areas of broad-based economic growth, economic opportunity and mobility, inclusive social policy, sound monetary and fiscal policy, and climate-resilient growth. To help organize, focus, and leverage their work, Economic Studies contains a variety of Centers, Projects, and major initiatives.
POSITION LOCATION:
This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.
Please note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities:
Ready to contribute to Brookings success?
The Research Assistant undertakes research and policy analysis on a range of economic issues for the Economic Studies program. Under the supervision of the Vice President and Director of Economic Studies, duties for this position include:
- General research assistance, including literature searches, and other research-adjacent tasks
- Drafting working papers, blogs and other publications
- Factchecking various publications activity
Of particular note, this role will provide the opportunity to provide research assistance to a wide range of scholars in the program, and will offer the opportunity to gain exposure to a broad set of topics in economics and economic policy.
The starting annual salary is $58,000.
More information about being a research assistant in Economic Studies may be found here.
This position is starting as soon as possible.
RESEARCH SUPPORT (65%):
- Prepare and revise programming code and regression estimates
- Analyze data using statistical software (e.g. Stata, R) and spreadsheets
- Prepare tables and graphs
- Assemble, consolidate, update, and check data from new sources and existing databases
- In collaboration with scholars, draft material summarizing research results on specific topics as assigned, for incorporation into working papers and project publications
- Provide analytical reviews and summaries of existing literature pertinent to the projects
- Locate and collect relevant documents and data from sources such as electronic databases, libraries, and government publications
- Compile, read, abstract, and organize written material into bibliographic form and summaries
- Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned
PROJECT SUPPORT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND OUTREACH (35%):
- Perform rigorous factchecks adhering to Brookings’ established processes
- Write and edit summaries to be posted on pages relating to scholar's work
- Gather related bibliographic, link, and current event information in support of pages to be created for a scholar's topic area
- Work with communications staff to prepare, lay out, and post scholar’s work for publication on the web site
- Assist designated scholar(s) with event preparation and logistics as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Economics, Mathematics/Statistics, or Public Policy; or a bachelor's degree in another social science field with a minor in Economics
- Ability to undertake research assignments with an appropriate level of supervision
- Experience with Microsoft Office and software such as STATA, R, or other econometric packages
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Research experience in economics, policy research, and/or computer-based research, which may include experience gained through part-time work, work in a college setting, or internships
- Experience working with large datasets and economic models
- Independent research experience
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please read and follow all application procedures carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
A complete application will include ALL of the following items:
- Current resume
- Cover letter
- A copy of your latest (unofficial) undergraduate transcript (and a graduate transcript if applicable). If you are submitting an international transcript, please be sure to include a Grade Key
- One writing sample (research-based product)
Questions? Please review our FAQs here. If you have additional questions, contact Jennifer Ambrosino - jambrosino@brookings.edu
Save your uploaded documents in the following format: First Name Last Name JOB ID Document Name
Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you must add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.
Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply.
Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.
Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.
Research Assistant Job Roles in Washington DC
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Search Research Assistant Jobs in Washington DCResearch Assistant Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and institutions sponsor visas for research assistants in Washington DC?
Federal contractors, universities, and policy research organizations are the most active sponsors in DC. Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, the Brookings Institution, the Urban Institute, and the Pew Research Center have all sponsored research assistant roles. Federal agencies themselves generally cannot directly sponsor work visas, but affiliated research centers and contracted organizations routinely do.
Which visa types are most common for research assistant roles in Washington DC?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for research assistants holding a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree, as most positions qualify as specialty occupations in fields like economics, political science, public health, or data science. J-1 visas are also widely used in DC, particularly for research roles at universities and think tanks. Candidates with eligible nationalities may also qualify for the TN visa or E-3 visa.
How to find research assistant visa sponsorship jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa sponsorship eligibility, making it straightforward to identify research assistant openings in Washington DC without sorting through roles that don't sponsor. You can filter by location and role type to surface positions at DC-area universities, think tanks, and research organizations that have an established history of supporting international candidates through the sponsorship process.
Which areas of Washington DC have the most research assistant sponsorship opportunities?
Most research assistant sponsorship activity is concentrated in a few clusters: the Georgetown and Foggy Bottom corridors near the major universities, the Dupont Circle and downtown DC area where think tanks and policy institutes are headquartered, and the broader National Mall corridor near federal research institutions. The nearby suburbs of Bethesda and Silver Spring in Maryland, home to the National Institutes of Health and related biomedical organizations, also generate significant research assistant hiring.
Are there any DC-specific considerations for research assistants seeking visa sponsorship?
Washington DC's research sector is heavily influenced by federal funding cycles, which can affect hiring timelines at contractor and affiliated research organizations. Many research assistant roles in DC require or strongly prefer candidates with security clearance eligibility, which can complicate sponsorship for international applicants. University-affiliated positions often move through institutional HR processes that are more experienced with visa sponsorship paperwork than smaller nonprofits or startups in the area.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research assistant jobs in Washington DC?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.