Research Analyst/Senior Research Analyst
Summary Of Position
Resources for the Future (RFF) is seeking one Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst to join its Research and Policy Engagement team, starting in the Spring of 2026.
Research Analysts are essential members of the RFF Research and Policy Engagement team. Under the direction of RFF Fellows, they are responsible for providing technical support that allows for the production of impactful research.
RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial, evidence-based economic research and policy engagement. We are committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future, shaping many of the world’s most successful environmental decisions and policies for almost 75 years. Our work centers on the economics and design of smart strategies to reduce sectoral and economy-wide emissions of greenhouse gases and create policies that confront climate change risks and build resilience.
RFF is committed to growth opportunities for all staff, and successful Research Analysts can be promoted through multiple ranks of the organization per RFF’s career ladder. Please note that this position may be filled at the Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst level, depending on qualifications.
This is a hybrid position that requires 3 days in the office per week and is not eligible for 100% remote work. RFF is located in Washington, DC.
Position Responsibilities
Depending on specific projects to which Research Analysts are assigned, responsibilities will include some or all of the following:
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.
Working Conditions
The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration and other programs. RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.
Visit our FAQ page to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.
Resources for the Future (RFF) is seeking one Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst to join its Research and Policy Engagement team, starting in the Spring of 2026.
Research Analysts are essential members of the RFF Research and Policy Engagement team. Under the direction of RFF Fellows, they are responsible for providing technical support that allows for the production of impactful research.
RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial, evidence-based economic research and policy engagement. We are committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future, shaping many of the world’s most successful environmental decisions and policies for almost 75 years. Our work centers on the economics and design of smart strategies to reduce sectoral and economy-wide emissions of greenhouse gases and create policies that confront climate change risks and build resilience.
RFF is committed to growth opportunities for all staff, and successful Research Analysts can be promoted through multiple ranks of the organization per RFF’s career ladder. Please note that this position may be filled at the Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst level, depending on qualifications.
This is a hybrid position that requires 3 days in the office per week and is not eligible for 100% remote work. RFF is located in Washington, DC.
Position Responsibilities
Depending on specific projects to which Research Analysts are assigned, responsibilities will include some or all of the following:
- Support discrete elements of research projects, including identifying, reviewing and synthesizing academic and policy literature, managing and analyzing datasets, or other tasks that are assigned by the project PI.
- Collaborate on written products, including writing sections of reports, papers, and/or proposals.
- Analyze and visualize large datasets.
- Other duties as assigned.
- The Analyst position requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including economics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences.
- The Senior Analyst position requires at least either a bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant post-graduation work experience, or a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Interest in policy assessments that relate to climate change, the environment, energy, and/or natural resources.
- Experience or coursework in computational and/or statistical programming, such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Experience or coursework in assembling, managing, manipulating, and analyzing datasets.
- Experience or coursework in economics, econometrics, quantitative methods, and statistics.
- Experience or coursework using other programming languages, especially GIS, Julia, or GAMS.
- Compensation: $56,000 to $69,500
- Medical, Dental, Vision coverage through Cigna
- 35-hour work week
- Flexible summer hours (4-day work week June-Sept)
- Flexible work arrangement policy (hybrid work)
- 11 paid holidays
- Office closed the week between Christmas and New Years Day
- 4 weeks PTO to start, increases to 5 weeks after 5 years, in addition to 15 paid sick days per year
- State of the Art Fitness Facility on site and free for all employees with regular group classes
- Deli on site
- Parking on site
- RFF contributes 5% of your salary to a 403(b)-retirement account
- Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking)
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.
Working Conditions
The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration and other programs. RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.
Visit our FAQ page to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.