Research Associate – Trade Policy

Position Overview

The Cato Institute seeks a full‑time Research Associate to work for the Vice President of General Economics and Cato’s Herbert

A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. The associate will provide direct research, analytical, and writing support on economic issues such as international trade, subsidies and industrial policy, manufacturing and supply chains, interstate commerce, labor policy, and economic dynamism.

The role will help produce original policy analysis in multiple formats—including working papers, blog posts, op‑eds, policy analyses, and books. The associate will be an integral part of the Vice President’s workflow, assisting with new research, editing content, managing events, and undertaking specific administrative tasks, and will have opportunities to co‑author pieces.

The position is part of a two‑year Research Associate program that offers learning from senior staff and guest lecturers, educational sessions, networking, and mentorship to develop leadership in policy, academia, government, and business.

The Cato Institute is a public‑policy research organization—a think tank—dedicated to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th‑century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution, and the timeless principles of that revolution animate Cato’s research to this day.

• Support the research of the Vice President and other members of Cato’s trade and general economics teams, as needed.
• Conduct general research and data analysis.
• Help draft op‑eds, reports, and other research products using original findings and peer‑reviewed academic research.
• Edit, fact‑check, and/or review various research products.
• Occasionally co‑author policy analyses, working papers, peer‑reviewed academic papers, blog posts, and other empirical work.
• Occasionally support the administrative and organizational needs of the team.

• Degree in economics, statistics, political science, or data science.
• Proficiency with Excel required; experience with Stata/R desirable.
• Evidence of strong writing skills, with published blog posts or op‑eds preferred.
• No prior work experience required.
• Understanding of and commitment to Cato’s libertarian values.

• Strong organizational skills; ability to work on multiple tasks independently and as part of a collaborative team on a time‑sensitive basis.
• Strong writing and editing skills with a commitment to accuracy.
• Experience and comfort in using economic data.
• Ability and willingness to challenge and question ideas.
• Familiarity with basic trade and economic policies and concepts.

Please submit the following materials:

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter
• A writing sample

• 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

The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.