Research Assistant, Science Policy

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person research assistant to conduct public policy research related to science policy, the government’s role in science, and the relationship between science and democratic institutions.

The research assistant will support the work of AEI’s Center for Technology, Science, and Energy (CTSE), which cultivates intellectual and moral resources for our nation’s leaders to think and act prudently in the face of an array of issues and opportunities posed by science and technology. The new research assistant will begin in summer 2025.

The research assistant will primarily support the research of Senior Fellow and CTSE Director M. Anthony Mills. The assistant will also support Senior Fellow Benjamin Zycher, Nonresident Senior Fellows James W. Coleman and Carole Hooven, and other CTSE scholars.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission generally and science policy particularly, an academic transcript, and a 500-word writing sample on any topic.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and writing in support of papers, studies, and reports on science policy and related topics.
• Coordinate with AEI scholars, internal communications teams, and the Events and Government Relations departments to target research to interested parties and the public, including via electronic outreach and public events.
• Provide research and editorial support to AEI scholars on blogs, congressional testimonies, opinion articles, and research papers, and manage related products (such as website and promotional materials).
• Advise on science policy inputs for AEI’s promotional channels, publications, and website features.
• Track and measure scholars’ output and influence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions at AEI

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.
  
  

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree (required)
• 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience (required)
• Previous applicable internship experience (preferred)
• A demonstrated interest in civil society, political philosophy, and science (required)
• A general knowledge of Washington, DC; the institutions that shape science policy; and the policymaking process
• A demonstrated interest in the philosophy of science and experience (required)
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Creativity
• Strong initiative
• Data analysis skills (a plus)
  
  

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits here .

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000 - $54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.