Research Associate for Budget and Entitlement Policy

Description The Cato Institute is seeking a Research Associate to support the Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy with research and related administrative tasks. The Research Associate will help produce research summaries and original policy analysis for different publications, including working papers, blog posts, op-eds, tweets, and books. They will support the Director with topical briefs, fiscal data analyses, and organizational tasks that support Cato’s mission. The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of economics and is a self-starter, curious, and detail-oriented. This position could be hybrid, fully remote, or at Cato’s office. The projected salary range for this role is $57,000 – $62,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills. Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Responsibilities Support the research of the Budget and Entitlement Policy team. Support the administrative and organizational needs of the Budget and Entitlement Policy team. Produce the weekly Debt Digest, including synthesizing fiscal developments, analyzing budget data, and drafting concise summaries for publication, and similar newsletter features. Requirements Education and Experience A bachelor’s degree in economics or political science. No prior work experience required. Skills Passion for the intersection of economics, government policy, and libertarianism. Familiarity with basic economic and budgeting concepts. Empirical skills and familiarity with R, STATA, Excel, and other statistical programs are a plus. Strong organizational skills and a commitment to accuracy. Strong writing skills. Intellectual curiosity and demonstrated ability to question assumptions, think independently, and advance new ideas. 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 Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship. #J-18808-Ljbffr