Research Analyst — U.S. Economic Statistics

Position Overview

The Peterson Institute for International Economics, a leading think tank located near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, seeks a full-time Research Analyst to work with Jed Kolko, Senior Fellow, and other senior fellows on a multi-year research project on the U.S. economic statistical system. As a Research Analyst at PIIE, you will play a vital role in providing research support, contributing to influential publications, supporting public-facing data tools, and participating in enriching internal discussions.

The project combines systematic monitoring of major U.S. economic data releases with empirical research on how official statistics are produced and used. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen public understanding of, and confidence in, the U.S. statistical system, with findings reaching policymakers, journalists, market participants, and the broader public.

Work Location

This position primarily requires on-site work at our Washington, DC office. After completing the training period, research analysts may be eligible for remote work of up to 2 days per week, subject to approval.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical analyses, in close collaboration with Dr. Kolko and other senior fellows, on the production, use, and quality of U.S. economic statistics.

• Conduct systematic reviews of major U.S. economic data releases, comparing releases over time to identify changes in content, coverage, or presentation.

• Trace and document relationships among economic data products and across federal statistical agencies.

• Review laws, regulations, agency documents, and academic literature to support the development of analytical databases and research papers.

• Conduct comparative empirical analysis drawing on cross-country evidence on the value and integrity of official economic statistics.

• Draft summaries of research findings, literature reviews, and methodology notes for working papers, blog posts, and other project publications.

• Help respond to questions and feedback on research papers from internal and external reviewers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, data science, public policy, or a related social science field, with a minor or substantial coursework in economics.

• Preference given to candidates with a Master's degree or with post-graduate research experience demonstrated through academic or professional positions.

• Strong interest in U.S. economic statistics, federal statistical agencies, and economic measurement. Familiarity with major economic indicators and their underlying methodologies is a plus.

• Authorization to work in the United States is required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficiency in computer and data management tools.

• Experience with and enthusiasm for using AI in research projects.

• Experience coding for economic analysis in at least one of Python, R, or Stata; familiarity with multiple languages, and with pulling data from APIs and bulk-download tools, is preferred.

• Commitment to reproducible analytical workflows, including version control and clear documentation of data sources, methods, and assumptions.

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to summarize technical findings clearly for both expert and non-expert audiences.

• Strong attention to detail and a temperament suited to fast, accurate work on time-sensitive reviews of economic data releases.

• Finalists will be required to complete a coding assessment, administered by the Quality Control team.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and only complete submissions will be considered. To apply, please send the following materials to View email address on click.appcast.io:

• Resume.

• Cover letter.

• Unofficial undergraduate transcript (and graduate transcript, if applicable).

• Names and contact information for three (3) academic or professional references.

• Finalists will be required to complete a coding assessment.

Compensation

Salary: $63,000–$66,000

Benefits, Health and Wellness

• Tuition Reimbursement: PIIE supports employee development by offering tuition reimbursement for higher education, including Associate, Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD programs. Full-time employees (working 30 hours or more per week) are eligible after six months of employment. Reimbursement is limited to $10,000 per semester (up to $20,000 per calendar year) and covers tuition, books, application fees, and course fees directly related to coursework. Employees must submit a written request at least four weeks before class enrollment and meet all other eligibility requirements, including maintaining a grade of B or higher.

• Premium Medical Plans: PIIE fully covers premiums for vision, dental, and life insurance for employees and their families.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: PIIE prioritizes the well-being of its employees with a robust benefits package, including cost-effective medical plans through Aetna. These plans provide access to quality healthcare and cater to diverse individual needs.

Commuting Made Easy

• Metro Fare and Parking: PIIE covers your metro fare and parking costs, whether you commute by metro or drive.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Peterson Institute embraces diversity and encourages applications from candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences. We are an equal-opportunity employer, committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive workplace.

Join us at PIIE and help shape the public's understanding of the U.S. economy with your research and analysis!