MPI Research Assistant 2026 Washington DC, Immigration Policy
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Latest UpdatesMigration Policy Institute Research Assistant 2026 | Washington DC
Research Assistant position at MPI's U.S. Immigration Policy Program in Washington DC
Complete guide to eligibility, responsibilities, salary, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Migration Policy Institute (MPI) |
| Program | U.S. Immigration Policy Program |
| Position | Research Assistant |
| Location | Washington DC, USA |
| Salary | $52,000 – $67,000 per year |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid (3 days/week in office) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree + 1 year experience |
| Deadline | 24 August 2026 (rolling) |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Migration Policy Institute (MPI) |
| Opportunity Category | Job |
| Position | Research Assistant |
| Location | Washington DC, USA |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Application Mode | |
| Official Language | English |
About the Organisation
The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to improving immigration and integration policies through authoritative research, policy analysis, learning opportunities, dialogue, and the development of innovative ideas addressing complex migration challenges.
About the Role
The Research Assistant will join MPI’s U.S. Immigration Policy Program, which conducts research and analysis on immigration policies shaping migration to the United States. The programme covers legal immigration pathways, visa systems, refugee resettlement, asylum policies, border management, immigration enforcement, and demographic research on immigrant populations.
Key Responsibilities
| Area | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Policy Research | Monitor immigration policy developments, track congressional actions, regulatory changes, executive actions, court decisions |
| Analysis | Conduct literature reviews, gather research data, analyse quantitative and qualitative information |
| Writing | Draft research summaries, policy documents, research memoranda |
| Programme Support | Assist with public events, private roundtables, webinars, research briefings, project meetings |
Required Qualifications
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree + 1 year professional experience (or significant relevant experience) |
| Research Skills | Strong research and analytical skills |
| Writing | Excellent English writing ability |
| Knowledge | U.S. immigration policy topics (visa pathways, enforcement, border policy, refugee resettlement, asylum systems) |
| Analysis | Ability to analyse laws, regulations, policy guidance, and court decisions |
| Attention | Strong attention to accuracy and evidence-based reporting |
Preferred Skills
| Skill | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | Foreign language proficiency |
| Data Analysis | Experience with statistical analysis |
| Excel | Advanced Excel skills |
| Software | Knowledge of Stata or related research software |
| Immigration Law | Familiarity with immigration law |
| Migration Policy | Experience in migration policy research |
Salary & Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $52,000 – $67,000 per year |
| Health | Health benefits |
| Retirement | Retirement benefits |
| Development | Professional development opportunities |
Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare cover letter |
| 2 | Prepare resume/CV |
| 3 | Prepare unedited sole-authored writing sample |
| 4 | Label documents with your last name |
| 5 | Email to hr@migrationpolicy.org |
| 6 | Subject line: Research Assistant, U.S. Program |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 24 August 2026 (rolling) |
Important Links
| Description | Official URL |
|---|---|
| Apply via Email | hr@migrationpolicy.org |
| Official Website |
Why You Should Apply
Prestigious Think Tank: Work at a leading migration policy research institution.
Policy Impact: Contribute to research that influences public understanding and policy debates.
Career Development: Build expertise in immigration policy and research.
Competitive Salary: $52,000 – $67,000 per year.
Hybrid Work: Flexible work arrangement.
Career Opportunities After Completion
| Area | Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Policy Research | Senior research and policy roles |
| Government | Immigration policy positions |
| Nonprofit | Policy and advocacy roles |
| International Organisations | Migration and refugee roles |
Tips to Increase Selection Chances
Tailor your cover letter to the specific role.
Highlight relevant immigration policy knowledge.
Provide a strong writing sample.
Apply early (rolling review).
Use the correct subject line.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Late Submission | Applications after 24 August 2026 may not be considered |
| Generic Application | Tailor your application to MPI |
| Missing Documents | Cover letter, resume, and writing sample required |
| Unclear Subject Line | Use the specified subject line |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the role? | Research Assistant at MPI's U.S. Immigration Policy Program. |
| Q2. Where is it based? | Washington DC, USA (hybrid). |
| Q3. What is the salary? | $52,000 – $67,000 per year. |
| Q4. What qualifications are required? | Bachelor’s degree + 1 year experience. |
| Q5. What are the key responsibilities? | Policy research, analysis, writing, programme support. |
| Q6. What is the deadline? | 24 August 2026. |
| Q7. How can I apply? | Email application to hr@migrationpolicy.org. |
| Q8. What documents are required? | Cover letter, resume, writing sample. |
| Q9. What is the work arrangement? | Hybrid (3 days/week in office). |
| Q10. What is the official website? |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The MPI Research Assistant position offers an excellent entry point for early-career researchers interested in immigration policy. With competitive salary and the opportunity to work at a leading think tank, the role provides valuable experience in policy research and analysis.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| Early-Career Researchers | Yes |
| Policy Analysts | Yes |
| Migration Studies Graduates | Yes |
| Public Policy Graduates | Yes |
| International Relations Graduates | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Moderate |
| Application Complexity | Medium |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Value | Good |
| Career Growth | High |
| Application Difficulty | Medium |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for MPI Research Assistant 2026 before 24 August 2026.
Visit the official MPI careers page.
Prepare your application documents.
Email your application to hr@migrationpolicy.org.
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates.
