Think Tank Research Assistant

Research Assistant

The Public Interest Network

Denver, CO

The Public Interest Network is hiring a research assistant who will work closely with leadership staff to develop our think tank, which is dedicated to reorienting America’s political and cultural conversation around the problems that accompany human progress. 

According to a 2020 study in Nature, the combined mass of man-made things now outweighs all life on Earth. We already produce more food than we can eat and more clothes than we can wear. But as humankind finally transcends material scarcity and its attendant hardships, our institutions and habits of thought have not kept up. Our continued, blind pursuit of limitless economic growth and job creation, done in the name of overcoming scarcity, now threatens our survival and flourishing more than it aids it. Among the alarming downstream consequences of our profoundly outdated priorities: climate crisis, greater vulnerability to pandemics, and a collapse of faith in politics to solve today’s challenges.  

It’s time to change our thinking and ask big questions, like: 

• What does it mean in policy and practice to put human and planetary well-being before economic growth?
• What can and should be the future of work, as the capacity for automation and artificial intelligence to replace human labor improves?

Key Responsibilities

The research assistant will provide support to the think tank team and participate in archiving, research, writing, analysis, communications, and other efforts to further our mission. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Identifying and archiving useful resources for writing and research projects.
• Reviewing and drawing conclusions from research and literature across multiple fields including environmental science, public health, history, and economics.
• Building our list of potential contacts and collaborators, like-minded organizations, and relevant conferences.
• Coordinating weekly team calls.
• Assigning, writing and/or promoting reports, reviews, articles and papers.
• Assisting with the development of new media strategies including using social media platforms, podcasts, and other sources to disseminate our research and ideas.
• Attending relevant conferences or retreats with internal staff or external professionals.
• Potential additional projects such as helping to curate a monthly publication or managing an intern program.

Qualifications

• You’re interested in solving new problems. You have a strong affinity for our vision of a new politics that faces today’s challenges head on.
• You’re open-minded. You can get your head around complex issues, are willing to have open dialogue about problems, and are okay working with people whose viewpoints may differ.
• You’re smart, detail-oriented, and organized. You can manage multiple projects.
• You can write. You may have experience writing for publications – at a campus newspaper, writing newsletters and emails for a group you volunteer with, or similar relevant experience.
• You’re creative. You’re able to anticipate or define a problem, brainstorm solutions, propose or decide on a course of action, and follow through. You can think on your feet and respond to unexpected challenges with confidence.
• You’re accountable. You respect goals and deadlines.
• You’re ready to put in the hard work to start from scratch with just an idea and help turn it into a lasting institution.

Ideal candidates will have 1-3 years of experience, but entry-level candidates with a passion for our issues, mission, and values are encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting target annual compensation for this position is $39,275. The Public Interest Network offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, paid time off, our commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location

Denver, CO

Why work with The Public Interest Network? Check out ten reasons on our website.

Our Mission and Values

The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit our website for things you should know about our network when you apply. Within the first document you will find a link to a second; please read both carefully. 

Fund for the Public Interest is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boosted. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.