Research Analyst

Institute For Justice - Arlington, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Arlington, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Research Analyst position at the Institute for Justice involves utilizing empirical research skills to support individual rights through data-driven research. The role focuses on developing original research plans on various topics related to government abuse and reform, collaborating with litigators and other team members to generate impactful research questions, and ensuring findings reach key audiences to influence policy change.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute original research plans on topics such as civil forfeiture, occupational licensing, and qualified immunity.
• Collaborate with IJ attorneys and researchers to generate research questions and identify effective methods to answer them.
• Find and manage datasets, including data collection and manipulation.
• Analyze large datasets using descriptive and inferential statistics, and draft surveys.
• Mine research literature for new ideas and potential collaborators.
• Ensure research findings are communicated to journalists and lawmakers for policy impact.
• Write clear reports for general audiences and articles for peer-reviewed journals.
• Conduct media interviews and testify before legislative bodies.
• Strategize with communications and research teams to maximize research distribution and impact.

Requirements

• Strong background in research design and statistical analysis.
• Master's degree in political science, economics, public policy, applied statistics, or a related field.
• Two years of experience conducting original analytical research in a relevant setting.
• Proficiency with statistical software such as Stata; knowledge of Python, R, or GIS is a plus.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and manipulation.
• Ability to collect original data through various methods, including public records requests and web scraping.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a policy institute or legislative role.
• Familiarity with descriptive and inferential analysis techniques.
• Passion for individual rights and government accountability.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule
• Flexible work hours with core hours of 10am to 4pm
• Smart casual dress code; casual Fridays
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (100% of individual premiums covered)
• Free Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance
• HSA employer contributions
• 401(k) with employer matches
• Generous PTO including a paid personal day and 12 paid holidays