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 in-house “think tank,” which is dedicated to re-orienting America’s political and cultural conversation around the problems that accompany economic growth.

According to a recent 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 Among the alarming downstream consequences of our profoundly outdated priorities: climate crisis, the destabilization of work and identity in an economy increasingly capable of meeting material needs with less human labor, the rise of populists both on the left and the right urging a return to an unrecoverable past, and a collapse of faith in politics to solve today’s challenges.

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

• Why do we still treat economic growth as synonymous with progress, even as its costs overwhelm its benefits?
• What if the real challenge of automation is not job loss, but our inability to imagine a good life beyond traditional employment?

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. This position requires excellent judgment, discretion and the ability to oversee significant projects. 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.
• 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 $40,250-$42,750. The Public Interest Network offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a 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

Apply: To apply, fill out our online application here.

Why work with The Public Interest Network? Check out ten reasons: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/why-work-with-us/.

About The Public Interest Network

The Public Interest Network consists of organizations, such as PIRG, Environment America, and their state groups, that are committed to a shared vision of a new future and a strategic approach to change.

We tackle problems that arise from America’s endless pursuit of economic growth. This imperative to produce and consume “more” explains why our society continues to burn more fossil fuels, despite the damage to our climate and our health. It’s why our marketplace keeps mass-producing more single-use plastic, despite the price we pay in waste and pollution for a moment’s convenience. And it’s why even the most technologically advanced companies design and market their products for obsolescence, not repair and reuse.

Together, the staff of The Public Interest Network’s organizations are relentlessly pragmatic in our approach to these problems. We prioritize making a difference in people’s lives over “making a statement.” We work with everybody to make change happen, political ideology aside. And we are serious about the work – we set clear goals, benchmarks and systems to measure our progress, and hold ourselves accountable to making change now and building for the future.

This unique approach gives even our newest staff an opportunity to make a concrete difference for the environment and the public interest – just as hundreds of dedicated staff have done over our 50 year history. If you want to add to this change-making legacy; if you have the passion and the drive that it takes; if you're looking for a mission, not just a job – then let’s talk.

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 https://publicinterestnetwork.org/core-values 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.

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

Fund for the Public Interest is an equal opportunity employer.