Research Analyst — International Trade Law & Policy

Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE)

Washington, DC

Department: Development

Reports to: Vice President for Development

FLSA Status: Exempt/Full-Time In-Office/Hybrid

Salary: $63,000-65,000

Position Overview

The Peterson Institute for International Economics, a leading think tank located near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, seeks a full-time Research Analyst to work with Inu Manak, Senior Fellow, and other senior fellows on research related to international trade law and policy. As a Research Analyst at PIIE, you will play a vital role in providing research support, contributing to influential publications, supporting public-facing data tools, and participating in enriching internal discussions.

The position combines daily monitoring of major US trade policy developments with empirical research on the law and politics of the World Trade Organization, the political economy of support for open markets in the US and other democracies, Canada-US economic relations and issues of North American economic integration. This research aims to explain trends and track shifts in trade policy, build an evidence base for the major debates in the field, and strengthen dialogue on international trade law and policy among policymakers, journalists, the private sector, and the broader public.

Work Location

This position primarily requires on-site work at our Washington, DC office. After completing the training period, research analysts may be eligible for remote work of up to 2 days per week, subject to approval.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical analyses, in close collaboration with Dr. Manak and other senior fellows, on international trade policy, including institutional change, the political economy of support for open markets, Canada-US relations and issues of North American economic integration.

• Conduct systematic reviews of major US trade policy announcements and their performance, including through compiling both quantitative and qualitative data, identifying trends over time. 

• Providing research and programmatic support for outreach to policymakers.

• Review laws, regulations, agency documents, and academic literature to support the development of analytical databases and research papers.

• Draft summaries of research findings, literature reviews, and methodology notes for working papers, blog posts, and other project publications.

• Help respond to questions and feedback on research papers from internal and external reviewers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics, political science, public policy, or a related social science field, with a minor or substantial coursework in economics. Knowledge or exposure to international trade law is useful.

• Preference given to candidates with a Master's degree or with post-graduate research experience demonstrated through academic or professional positions.

• Strong interest in international trade, international economic law, and North American economic integration. Familiarity with US government agencies and international institutions responsible for foreign economic policy a plus. 

• Authorization to work in the United States is required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficiency in computer and data management tools.

• Experience coding for economic analysis in at least one of R, or Stata; pulling data from APIs and bulk-download tools, is preferred.

• Commitment to reproducible analytical workflows, including version control and clear documentation of data sources, methods, and assumptions.

• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to summarize technical findings clearly for both expert and non-expert audiences.

• Strong attention to detail and a temperament suited to fast, accurate work on time-sensitive reviews of economic data releases.

• Finalists will be required to complete a coding assessment, administered by the Quality Control team.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and only complete submissions will be considered. To apply, please send the following materials to HR@piie.com:

• Resume.

• Cover letter.

• Unofficial undergraduate transcript (and graduate transcript, if applicable).

• Names and contact information for three (3) academic or professional references.

• Finalists will be required to complete a coding assessment.

Compensation

Salary: $63,000–$65,000

Benefits, Health and Wellness

• Tuition Reimbursement: PIIE supports employee development by offering tuition reimbursement for higher education, including Associate, Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD programs. Full-time employees (working 30 hours or more per week) are eligible after six months of employment. Reimbursement is limited to $10,000 per semester (up to $20,000 per calendar year) and covers tuition, books, application fees, and course fees directly related to coursework. Employees must submit a written request at least four weeks before class enrollment and meet all other eligibility requirements, including maintaining a grade of B or higher.

• Premium Medical Plans: PIIE fully covers premiums for vision, dental, and life insurance for employees and their families.

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: PIIE prioritizes the well-being of its employees with a robust benefits package, including cost-effective medical plans through Aetna. These plans provide access to quality healthcare and cater to diverse individual needs.

Commuting Made Easy

• Metro Fare and Parking: PIIE covers your metro fare and parking costs, whether you commute by metro or drive.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Peterson Institute embraces diversity and encourages applications from candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences. We are an equal-opportunity employer, committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive workplace.

Join us at PIIE and help shape the public's understanding of the U.S. economy with your research and analysis!