Research Assistant

Contemporaries Inc. is a government contracting firm supporting federal agencies in the health and science space. We are currently seeking a Research Assistant to support a policy-focused team at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, DC.

This is a full-time, long-term contract opportunity ideal for either a recent college graduate with hands-on research experience or a professional with at least 2 years of experience in a research-focused role and experience utilizing AI tools. In this role, you will support Policy Analysts and a small team by conducting research, organizing and compiling data, and assisting with administrative and document-related tasks tied to policy development. This position will not be responsible for writing policy, but will play a key role in supporting research efforts, identifying relevant data sources, and ensuring information is organized and accessible for the team.

We are looking for someone who is technologically savvy, especially with AI tools and research platforms, highly organized, and comfortable supporting both research and administrative functions in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted research using traditional sources and AI-powered tools to support policy initiatives
• Compile, organize, and summarize research findings for internal stakeholders
• Identify new research avenues and relevant data sources to support ongoing projects
• Maintain and update databases, tracking tools, and research documentation
• Assist with document formatting, editing, and administrative support related to policy efforts
• Serve as a point of coordination for research-related communication across team members
• Support data calls and information requests by gathering and organizing responses
• Provide general administrative and clerical support to the policy team as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• One of the following:
• • Recent college graduate with hands-on research experience (academic research, internships, or capstone projects), or
  • At least 2 years of professional experience in a research-focused role with experience using AI tools for research, analysis, or productivity
• Strong interest in public policy, government, or health-related initiatives
• Experience or familiarity with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar platforms)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)