Research Assistant, Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies (Legal Studies)

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking a full-time, in-person research assistant to work with scholars in its Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies department who specialize in legal studies. The anticipated start date for this position is summer 2025.

Responsibilities for this position include assisting with research, writing, and editing for op-eds, law review articles, reports, podcasts, and book projects related to American constitutionalism, law, history, and politics. This employee is also responsible for helping plan and execute conferences and events. Duties include short- and long-term projects, as well as administrative support.

Desired skills for this position include excellent organizational, research, and writing abilities; a keen eye for detail; and a demonstrated interest in American history, politics, institutions, and law. A background in independent research is preferred. A bachelor’s degree in political science, history, or a related field is required.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on a topic related to American law, politics, or history with their online application.

• Research and Editing
• Provide research and editing support for scholars’ long-term book projects and short-form writing (e.g., op-eds, articles, and video essays).
• Use online resources, scholarly databases, and libraries to conduct primary- and secondary-source research. This includes gathering and critically evaluating sources and writing memos analyzing specific works of scholarly literature.
• Provide substantive edits, copy edits, and bibliographic support for scholars’ writing.
• Coordinate small and major long-term research projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Administrative Support
• Provide communication and administrative support related to scholars’ work among various AEI departments and teams, including Academic Programs, Development, Government Relations, and media.
• Manage logistical and administrative tasks related to scholars’ activities, including scheduling, processing expense reimbursements, posting content on the AEI website, tracking scholars’ output, and planning and staffing public events and conferences, private meetings, and roundtables.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close-up vision for computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• A bachelor’s degree at the start date is required.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should have
• Previous experience in research, writing, and editing;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple overlapping project timelines;
• A demonstrated interest in American constitutionalism, law, history, and politics, as well as familiarity with current events;
• Proficiency in performing administrative and logistical coordination tasks;
• Attention to detail, the capacity to work independently, and a high level of initiative; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal days or floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; a medical and dependent care flexible spending account; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 12 percent contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits here.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position’s scope and responsibilities; a candidate’s full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000–$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.