Think Tank in Search of Research Assistant
April 2015
Research Assistant
Sightline Institute, the Northwest’s leading public policy think tank on sustainability issues, is seeking a
gifted puzzle solver to join its team and contribute to Sightline’s work on coal and oil export plans.
Sightline’s research forms the bedrock of opposition to massive expansions in fossil fuel shipments
through the Northwest. Together, these plans would have roughly five times the climate impact of the
Keystone XL Pipeline with wide-ranging impacts on local communities across the region; from inland
farming communities to tribal fisherman on the coast. Sightline’s research on fossil fuel export plans is
used extensively by NGOs, elected officials, and citizens and is cited by the news media hundreds of
times each year.
The research assistant will support the development of a suite of research products – reports, articles,
graphics, and other forms of synthetic analysis. For this position, Sightline is seeking aptitude and
enthusiasm, over issue-area expertise or depth of experience.
Topics of focus will include various dimensions of fossil fuel shipment proposals, including maritime
vessel traffic, railway congestion, carbon emissions, localized pollution and economic impacts. In
addition, Sightline is interested in expanding its research on sustainability issues as they relate to the
diverse communities that comprise the Northwest.
The research assistant position will provide ample opportunity for professional development and
training to become an effective writer and spokesperson. Over time, duties may expand to include
devising and directing research projects; acting as a liaison to allied organizations; working with elected
officials and government staff; speaking with print, radio, and TV media; and fundraising in support of
the work.
The best candidates will provide top flight references who can speak in detail to his or her abilities.
Finalists for the position will be asked to demonstrate their ability to solve “research puzzles,” as well as
to interpret and distill complex information.
This position will report to policy director Eric de Place.
Job Responsibilities:
The research assistant’s primary objective will be to help develop a suite of publications suitable for use
by the media, public agencies, NGOs, and other audiences. A typical project will involve researching and
assessing an assigned topic with a short write-up on the subject.
Preferred Qualifications:
The most promising applicants will:
 Distill large amounts of complex information and data with impeccable accuracy;
 Talk and write about complex topics with concision and clarity;
 Have experience synthesizing quantitative and qualitative scientific research;
 Hold a bachelor’s degree or significant coursework in fields relevant to sustainability;
 Have proficiency in basic software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience. Competitive benefits, including health and dental
insurance, vacation, and sick leave.
To apply: Please email a cover letter; resume; an example of your work (see below); and contact
information for three professional references to [email protected]. Sightline Institute encourages
candidates from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply. Learn more about
Sightline at www.sightline.org and www.daily.sightline.org.
Cover Letter: In addition to your core qualifications for the position, please include personal or
professional experience you have working at the intersection of sustainability and diversity
(socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and/or cultural).
Example of Work: Please submit an example of a research product that demonstrates your ability to
synthesize a body of work or a complex topic. Samples should clearly highlight your own work (e.g. a
team project would only be acceptable if the candidate’s contribution is readily discernible). Acceptable
samples might include: annotated bibliographies; literature reviews; policy memos; legal briefs; data
analyses.