Center for Energy and Environmental Studies

RFF has several openings for Research Assistant positions.  A candidate should have a masters or bachelors degree in the natural sciences, mathematics, economics, or a related field.  Current graduate students in these fields who can work full-time or part-time are also welcome to apply.  We are looking for applicants with outstanding academic records, strong quantitative ability, organizational skills, and the ability to write clearly, quickly and concisely.  Other skills that we value highly in RAs include:  knowledge of upper-level undergraduate or graduate-level economics, facility in collecting and manipulating large datasets, experience with statistical and computational software, such as SAS, Stata or Matlab, as well as GIS software, a background in the natural sciences, especially biological sciences, and ability to manage conferences and workshops.  Also valuable is specific knowledge in one or more topic areas of interest to RFF, such as energy and climate, water resources and transportation.

RAs assist researchers at RFF to address a wide range of topics, including benefit-cost analysis of environmental and other health and safety regulations; economics of public health and disease interventions; the economics of energy, climate and the environment, forestry, biodiversity, water, and other resources; issues related to the environment and the economy of developing countries; and conceptual modeling and analysis of public policy pertaining to these topics.  Knowledge of issues and policies in these and other areas of interest to RFF researchers are also useful skills.

We offer a one-year appointment renewable for a second year. Salary is competitive. Benefits include a very collegial environment, 10 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 3 days family medical leave, 10 holidays, medical insurance, educational assistance, commuter and other benefits.  A research assistantship at RFF provides excellent background for talented students who wish to spend a year or two honing their skills and experience an economics and policy research environment before continuing their education.

All applications must be submitted electronically.  To apply, please click on the button below and follow the instructions.  In addition to a resume summarizing your qualifications for the position and containing the names of three references (with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers), we require three attachments as part of the application:

· A cover letter, introducing yourself and indicating, if you like, which of the available projects are of most interest to you.

· A writing sample

· Your academic transcript.

In your cover letter please let us know if you have a particular interest in or qualifications for one or more of the specific RA positions listed below.

Current positions available:

General-purpose RA. A candidate hired for this position would very likely work on a variety of projects, and the position will require strong quantitative skills and excellent time-management and organizational skills.

Applications are made online; just go to http://www.rff.org/About_RFF/Pages/default.aspx and follow the link to “Working at RFF.”