About the Independent Institute

The Independent Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public-policy research and educational organization that shapes ideas into lasting impact through publications, conferences, and effective multi-media programs. Our mission is boldly to advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity. Applying independent thinking to issues that matter, we create transformational ideas for today’s most pressing social and economic challenges.

About the Role

The Independent Institute is seeking a full-time Research Associate to conduct analysis on economic issues related to our priority research areas. This individual will report to the David J. Theroux Chair in Political Economy, and will assist the institute’s team of scholars in the preparation of empirical analysis, scholarly articles, and public-facing commentary. In particular, we are seeking an individual who has an interest in data and empirical analysis. Projects will include: the study of taxation, entitlements, and their relationship to economic distributions and inequality in the United States and abroad; international trade and tariffs; higher education policy; intellectual and economic history; measurement of economic trends and events.

The ideal candidate should have a broad familiarity with free-market economics and economic policy issues, including the Public Choice, Austrian, and/or Chicago Price Theory traditions. Candidates with strong empirical skills, including work with statistical software and experience with data presentation are preferred for this role.

The candidate should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in economics, political science, political economy, history, or a related field. We seek a highly motivated individual who is interested in contributing to scholarly research and pays close attention to detail and scholarly rigor. A location in the San Francisco Bay Area or the Northern Virginia & Washington, DC region are preferred, however remote/telework options will also be considered for exceptional candidates.

Responsibilities

1. Assist the David J. Theroux Chair, as well as other Independent Institute scholars, with research assignments related to the organization’s mission and priorities.
2. Gather, transcribe, and organize large data sets.
3. Learn empirical techniques for analyzing and presenting economic data sets.
4. Assist with writing, editing, and source collection for written reports and analysis. This may include literature reviews, data analysis, and directed original research.
5. Write and co-author short commentaries about current research projects for the Independent Institute’s website, and other venues.
6. Travel such as periodic visits to the Oakland headquarters, Independent Institute-hosted events, and other job-related conferences and meetings

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in economics, political science, political economy, history, or related fields. Candidates with advanced degrees will be considered, though it is not required for this position
2. Experience with quantitative research methods including data analysis and entry. Strong familiarity with Microsoft Excel is required. Knowledge of basic econometric techniques and statistical software is preferred, but not required.
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills. We seek a clear and concise communication style, and the ability to write for both scholarly and popular audiences.
4. Aligned with Independent Institute’s mission and philosophy

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

1. A cover letter detailing your philosophical interest in the organization, why the position interests you, how your experience has prepared you for this position, and your salary requirements
2. Resume
3. A recent writing sample (short essay, opinion/editorial, term paper) on a topic related to economics or economic policy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you familiar with free-market schools of economic thought (e.g. Austrian, price theory, public choice)?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oakland, CA 94621

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