Research Assistant – U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute (MPI): Apply for a Policy Research Career in Washington, D.C.

If you are passionate about immigration policy, public policy research, legal and regulatory analysis, and evidence-based policymaking, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is offering an outstanding opportunity to advance your career. The organization is currently recruiting a Research Assistant to join its U.S. Immigration Policy Program in Washington, D.C.

This role is ideal for early-career professionals who are eager to contribute to one of the world’s leading independent think tanks focusing on migration, immigration, refugee policy, and integration. Successful applicants will work alongside renowned policy experts, researchers, and analysts while contributing to influential research that informs policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

About the Migration Policy Institute (MPI)

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is an independent, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to improving immigration and integration policies through rigorous research, objective analysis, policy dialogue, and innovative solutions.

MPI has built an international reputation for producing authoritative research on migration and immigration issues affecting governments, institutions, and communities around the world. Rather than advocating for political positions, the institute focuses on producing evidence-based research that helps policymakers make informed decisions.

The organization values:

• Independent and objective research
• Policy innovation
• Diversity of thought
• Inclusive workplaces
• Evidence-based decision-making
• Professional excellence

MPI is also deeply committed to creating an equitable workplace where employees from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed and supported.

About the U.S. Immigration Policy Program

The successful candidate will become part of MPI’s highly respected U.S. Immigration Policy Program.

This team conducts extensive research on the major immigration policy issues affecting the United States. Their work influences discussions among lawmakers, researchers, advocacy organizations, journalists, and government agencies.

The program covers a broad range of immigration topics, including:

• Legal immigration pathways
• Employment and family visa systems
• Refugee admissions and resettlement
• Asylum policies
• Border management
• Immigration enforcement
• Immigration governance
• Demographic trends
• Characteristics of immigrant populations
• Federal immigration legislation
• Executive immigration actions
• Court decisions affecting immigration
• Regulatory developments

Beyond publishing research, the program also organizes conferences, policy dialogues, stakeholder meetings, webinars, and public events that encourage informed discussion on immigration issues.

About the Research Assistant Position

The Research Assistant will support the institute’s research, policy monitoring, analytical writing, and project management activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking long-term professional growth in policy research, immigration studies, public affairs, or legal analysis.

Working closely with senior researchers, the successful candidate will help monitor rapidly changing immigration developments while contributing to publications that reach policymakers and national audiences.

The role offers opportunities for increasing responsibility based on performance.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will perform a wide variety of research, analytical, and administrative responsibilities.

1. Immigration Policy Monitoring

One of the primary responsibilities involves closely following developments in U.S. immigration policy.

This includes monitoring:

• Congressional legislation
• Executive actions
• Regulatory changes
• Court rulings
• Immigration agency guidance
• Federal policy announcements

The Research Assistant will summarize and synthesize these developments for both internal and public-facing audiences.

2. Conduct Policy Research

The position requires assisting with both qualitative and quantitative research.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting literature reviews
• Collecting policy documents
• Gathering statistical information
• Organizing research materials
• Identifying relevant data sources
• Supporting evidence-based policy analysis

3. Data Collection and Analysis

The Research Assistant will help compile reliable datasets used in MPI publications.

Tasks include:

• Cleaning datasets
• Verifying information
• Producing statistical tables
• Creating charts and figures
• Organizing research databases
• Ensuring data accuracy

4. Interview Support

Research often involves interviewing experts and stakeholders.

The Research Assistant will:

• Schedule interviews
• Participate in interviews
• Prepare interview summaries
• Draft research memoranda
• Organize qualitative findings

Some travel may be required.

5. Writing and Publication Support

The successful applicant will contribute to numerous research outputs, including:

• Research reports
• Policy briefs
• Background papers
• Commentaries
• Memoranda
• Short-form analyses

Writing will be supervised by senior researchers, providing valuable mentorship and professional development.

6. Use of Artificial Intelligence

MPI encourages responsible use of AI technologies in accordance with institutional policies.

Research assistants may utilize approved AI tools while maintaining research integrity and quality standards.

7. Event Coordination

The position also includes helping organize:

• Public events
• Private policy roundtables
• Webinars
• Research briefings
• Stakeholder meetings
• Conference calls

This work will be carried out in collaboration with MPI’s Communications Team.

8. Project Management Support

The Research Assistant will assist with various operational activities, including:

• Scheduling meetings
• Tracking project timelines
• Coordinating research activities
• Supporting internal communications
• Managing documentation

9. Intern Supervision

The successful candidate may assist senior staff in:

• Recruiting interns
• Supervising intern activities
• Providing project guidance
• Coordinating intern assignments

10. Fundraising Support

MPI researchers also contribute to fundraising initiatives.

The Research Assistant will assist by:

• Researching funding opportunities
• Drafting grant proposal sections
• Writing concept notes
• Preparing donor reports
• Collecting background information

Required Qualifications

Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements.

Educational Background

Candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of relevant work experience.

Alternatively:

• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree who can demonstrate substantial relevant professional experience may also be considered.

Research Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical thinking
• Excellent research abilities
• Experience supporting original research
• Ability to synthesize complex information
• Critical evaluation skills

Writing Skills

Excellent written English is essential.

Applicants should be capable of producing:

• Clear policy writing
• Research summaries
• Professional reports
• Analytical memoranda

Immigration Policy Knowledge

Candidates should already possess knowledge in at least two areas such as:

• Visa pathways
• Immigration enforcement
• Border management
• Refugee resettlement
• Asylum policy

Legal Research

Applicants should either have experience with legal research or demonstrate willingness to learn.

This includes reviewing:

• Federal laws
• Regulations
• Court decisions
• Policy guidance
• Administrative documents

Professional Competencies

Successful applicants should also demonstrate:

• High attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent time management
• Ability to prioritize competing assignments
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Effective communication skills
• Commitment to factual accuracy

Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following qualifications will strengthen an application:

• Foreign language proficiency
• Knowledge of immigration law
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience with Stata
• Experience using statistical software
• Quantitative data analysis expertise

Salary and Benefits

The position offers competitive compensation.

Salary

Annual salary ranges from:

• US$52,000–US$67,000

Compensation will depend on the successful applicant’s experience, qualifications, and skills.

Benefits

Employees receive generous benefits, including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative work environment
• Career advancement opportunities

Work Location

This is a Washington, D.C.-based position.

Employees are expected to work:

• At least three days per week in the office.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare the following application materials:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• One unedited, sole-authored writing sample

Applications should be submitted via email to: hr@migrationpolicy.org

When applying:

• Label each file using your last name.
• Use “Research Assistant, U.S. Program” as the email subject line.
• Include a brief statement indicating how you learned about the vacancy.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: August 24

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning qualified candidates may be interviewed before the deadline. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applicants are also requested not to contact MPI staff directly regarding the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Migration Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MPI welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Physical ability

The organization is committed to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

Why You Should Consider This Opportunity

This Research Assistant position presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking careers in migration policy, public policy, research, international affairs, law, or social sciences.

Working at the Migration Policy Institute provides exposure to nationally significant immigration policy discussions, opportunities to collaborate with leading experts, and the chance to contribute to influential research that informs public debate and policymaking. The combination of policy research, analytical writing, event coordination, and professional mentorship makes this an outstanding entry point for aspiring policy researchers and analysts.

Because applications are reviewed as they are received, interested candidates should prepare their materials promptly and submit a strong application well before the August 24 deadline.

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