The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division (FDT) is seeking a Research Assistant to support a broad range of research tasks in its International Trade and Finance (IT) section. The selectee will support research analysts and managers in addressing congressional requests and in preparing CRS informational and analytical products by performing research, writing, data analysis, and other research support duties.

Candidates should have knowledge of international trade and finance, familiarity with the research process, and knowledge of the research materials and tools used in social science research. Candidates must be able to work as part of a collaborative team and must exhibit the intellectual flexibility and broad research skills set that facilitate effective work across a wide spectrum of international trade and finance issues. Illustrative programs of study include economics, public policy or related discipline with coursework in international trade and finance or equivalent work experience. Strong research, writing, and presentation skills are essential; candidates with both qualitative and quantitative research skills, and experience using data visualization to inform research products and processes are especially urged to apply.

Duties include:

• Reviewing and evaluating professional journal articles, agency documents, and other analyses for authoritativeness, relevance, and currency. Preparing abstracts of these descriptive and/or analytical materials, summarizing their key findings, methodologies employed, and other relevant information.

• Participating in group efforts on research projects as a member of a collaborative team and undertaking research and data analytical tasks in support of the development of an array of analytical and descriptive products or components. Illustrative tasks might include: tracking congressional hearings and bills in specific areas; culling, synthesizing, and tracking state policies; fact checking and other quality control; building and maintaining a database of (specific) program authorizations and appropriations; and, for active legislation, developing and managing a database of amendments and conference documents.

• Preparing materials for use at consultations, briefings, and seminars for congressional clients. Attending consultations, briefings, seminars, and outreach activities to gain familiarity with CRS’s information and analytic capabilities, recording questions, gauging audience engagement, and capturing audience suggestions for future sessions.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for over a century. CRS is well known for analysis that is accurate, authoritative, confidential, objective and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.

CRS is fully committed to workforce diversity. Interested applicants must apply online at USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/595318300.