Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Analyst / Senior Research Analyst

at Forecasting Research Institute

🏢 About Forecasting Research Institute

Forecasting Research Institute is a pioneering organization dedicated to improving decision-making through advanced forecasting methods. They focus on rigorous, evidence-based approaches to predict complex global events, making their work highly impactful for policy and strategy. The team values intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary collaboration, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a remote, flexible environment.

About This Role

As a Research Analyst, you will directly support multiple forecasting studies by designing surveys, distilling complex topics into forecastable questions, and synthesizing findings for diverse audiences. Your work will bridge qualitative and quantitative analysis, helping to produce actionable insights that inform decision-makers. This role is critical to the institute's mission of advancing forecasting science and translating research into real-world impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a team check-in via Slack or Zoom to align on project priorities. You'll spend time drafting survey questions for a new study on global health risks, then review background research for a policy brief. After lunch, you could analyze preliminary data from an ongoing forecasting tournament and write a summary for the project lead, followed by revising a blog post based on peer feedback.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Forecasting Research Institute Is Looking For

  • Has strong research and analytical skills with hands-on experience in survey design and mixed-methods analysis (qualitative and quantitative).
  • Excels at distilling complex, often technical subjects into clear, precise forecastable questions and accessible explanations for non-experts.
  • Demonstrates excellent writing abilities, with a portfolio that includes academic papers, reports, or policy briefs tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Thrives in a collaborative, remote environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and deadlines.

📝 Tips for Applying to Forecasting Research Institute

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in survey design and mixed-methods research, using examples from past projects.

2

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to explain a complex topic clearly and concisely, ideally related to forecasting or decision science.

3

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your background to the institute's mission and mention any familiarity with forecasting or prediction markets.

4

Prepare a brief example of how you would turn a complex question (e.g., 'Will AI surpass human intelligence by 2030?') into a forecastable format.

5

Research the institute's published work (e.g., their blog or papers on metaculus or forecasting platforms) and reference it in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into clear findings, citing specific projects.', 'Highlight your experience with survey design and question writing, especially for diverse audiences (e.g., policymakers, academics).', "Express enthusiasm for the institute's mission and mention any relevant forecasting or prediction market experience.", 'Demonstrate your capacity to manage multiple projects and collaborate remotely, with examples of successful teamwork.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Forecasting Research Institute's website and blog to understand their current projects and methodology.
  • → Read their published papers or reports on platforms like Metaculus or their own site to see examples of their forecasting questions and analysis.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key concepts in forecasting (e.g., calibration, scoring rules, prediction markets) to speak knowledgeably.
  • → Look up any recent media coverage or interviews with the institute's leadership to understand their vision and priorities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a survey to elicit accurate probabilistic forecasts from experts on a geopolitical event?
2 Describe a time you had to distill a complex topic into a simple question; what was your process?
3 How do you ensure your research findings are communicated effectively to both academic and policy audiences?
4 What experience do you have with quantitative analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, or statistical software) and qualitative coding methods?
5 How would you handle conflicting feedback from project leads on the framing of a forecast question?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing the institute's specific work or mission.
  • Overemphasizing quantitative skills while neglecting to show qualitative analysis or writing ability.
  • Failing to proofread for clarity and conciseness, which are critical for this role's writing demands.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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