Research Assistant

Do you want to use your empirical research skills to advance individual rights? This is what the Institute for Justice’s Strategic Research team does every day, creating data-driven research used by journalists, lawmakers, advocates, and courts to bring light to government abuse and achieve reform.

We are seeking entrepreneurial researchers to join our team at our headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. On our team, the Research Assistant plays a vital role in creating cutting-edge social science and policy work that complements IJ’s litigation and advocacy.

The Research Assistant identifies, gathers, and organizes data; manages public record requests; conducts literature reviews;

and helps ensure the quality of our work by reviewing data for accuracy and integrity. Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the social sciences Experience collecting original data Superior attention to detail and dedication to accuracy Strong organizational skills Proficiency with Excel Persistence and good judgment in soliciting information and data from state and nonprofit agencies through phone calls, emails, and formal requests Ability to follow instructions and ask for clarification where needed Self-motivation and ability to work independently on detailed research tasks for long stretches of time while meeting deadlines, as well as the ability to work collaboratively on a team Passion for IJ’s mission Benefits : Hybrid work schedule Flexible work hours with our core business hours of 10am and 4pm Casual dress code Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premiums) Free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance plans HSA employer contributions 401(k) with employer matches Generous PTO including a paid personal day and 12 paid holidays To Apply : Please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing how your experience will ensure success in this position.

Additionally, we encourage you to express your interest in the Institute for Justice's mission and share any insights on how your values align with our work.

More about the Institute for Justice's SR Team : IJ’s Strategic Research team creates social science and policy research, but our studies don’t just sit on a library shelf collecting dust.

We put our research to work by combining it with IJ’s unique brand of cutting-edge litigation, award-winning communications and top-notch activism and legislative outreach.

Our studies have been cited by the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court , as well as leading news outlets nationwide. Our work has helped certify a victorious class action lawsuit against Philadelphia’s civil forfeiture machine , ensure the return of cash wrongfully seized by the IRS, roll back needless occupational licensing , dismantle speech-squelching campaign finance laws , and protect programs that empower parents to choose the best schools for their children.

IJ is an equal opportunity employer. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

At IJ we value a diverse workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

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