The Long-Term Analysis Unit in the Health, Retirement, and Long-Term Analysis Division seeks a labor economist with a strong interest in long-term implications of federal budgetary policies and a proven ability to write about such issues for nontechnical audiences. Much of the analysis in the Unit relies on a microsimulation model that provides a basis for analyzing the economic well-being of individuals across and within birth cohorts as well as for projecting budget outcomes, with a special focus on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The unit provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of retirement, disability, and health and leads CBO’s long-term modeling initiatives. Recently, the unit has developed a state-of-the-art method for projecting individual earnings, assessed policy options for the Social Security Disability Insurance program, and analyzed the long-term outlook for the federal budget.  The focus of this position is on writing about complex issues of long-term budgetary policy, which involves working with individuals and teams of analysts at CBO who are conducting research in these areas to frame, draft, and edit reports for nontechnical and nonacademic audiences. The position may involve conducting original research on and analysis of policy issues, but the primary focus will be on drafting reports and other written products (such as Congressional testimony) in collaboration with analysts who are technical experts on a broad range of topics. CBO has very high standards for the accuracy, precision, clarity, and objectivity of its written work.  Qualifications Candidates with a Ph.D. in economics or equivalent and experience relevant to microsimulation modeling will be given preference. Others with a master’s degree in economics or a related field with the appropriate background and experience in labor economics or applied microeconomics are also encouraged to apply. Candidates must have a strong track record of writing about complex economic policy issues for nontechnical audiences, generally requiring several years of experience with such work. Excellent interpersonal and quantitative skills are essential. Successful candidates will be able to work independently and complete assignments in a timely manner. Salary and Benefits Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and an appealing work environment.   How to Apply Please submit a cover letter, résumé, salary history, a brief writing sample and contact information for three (3) references online. Recent graduates should submit an unofficial copy of academic transcripts and have letters of recommendation sent to careers@cbo.gov in place of the references. Only complete applications will be considered. Although there is no deadline for applying, this position may be closed when CBO has received a sufficient number of applications from qualified candidates. This position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, as made applicable by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended. Because this is a ‘covered position’ within CBO, appointment to this position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as made applicable by regulations approved pursuant to the Congressional Accountability Act. Accordingly, qualified applicants who are not current employees of CBO and who were separated from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions and who served on active duty in the armed forces during certain wars, in certain expeditions or campaigns, or during specific time periods (veterans) or who are disabled veterans may be eligible to receive preference over nonpreference eligible applicants in appointment decisions. Spouses, widows, widowers, and mothers of certain veterans may also be eligible to claim preference, if the veteran cannot.   If claiming veterans’ preference, an applicant must identify himself or herself as eligible for veterans’ preference in the Self-Identification for Veterans’ Preference section of the application and must complete and submit a Veterans’ Preference Eligibility Form together with the supporting documentation specified on that form to veao@cbo.gov within two weeks of applying. Applicants may obtain a copy of CBO’s Veterans’ Preference in Appointments policy by submitting a written request to careers@cbo.gov . Contact Nancy A. Fahey, Washington, DC,  202-226-2628 , careers@cbo.gov EEO M/F/V/D Call Send SMS Add to Skype You'll need Skype Credit Free via Skype

     

The Health, Retirement, and Long-Term Analysis Division is seeking an Assistant Analyst to provide the division’s senior analysts with statistical analyses, graphics, literature reviews, and other research assistance. The selected candidate will also conduct independent research on a variety of topics. Assistant Analysts typically pursue professional or graduate degrees in fields such as economics, public policy, medicine, or law following their 2-3 year term appointments. The Health, Retirement, and Long-Term Analysis Division analyzes federal programs and policies concerning health care and retirement , including Medicare , Medicaid , subsidies to be provided through health insurance exchanges, and Social Security . The division works on some of the most hotly debated policy issues before the Congress, producing reports on a range of policy issues and options and providing detailed analyses of proposed legislation. The division is also responsible for CBO’s long-term budget projections and collaborates on analyses of the long-term effects of proposed legislation. Recently completed reports include an analysis of illustrative options for a premium support system in Medicare, a volume of health-related options for reducing the federal budget deficit, and the 2013 Long-Term Budget Outlook. Qualifications The position requires a person who can work well with a number of senior staff members, take initiative to gather suitable data to address policy questions, conduct spreadsheet and statistical analyses, assist with slide presentations and written reports, and complete assignments in a timely manner. Candidates must have strong quantitative, writing, and computer skills (e.g. STATA and/or SAS, Excel, Powerpoint, and Word), and a desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. A bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in economics or a related discipline is also required.   Salary and Benefits Salary range is $37,000-$43,000, and will be commensurate with education and related experience. CBO offers excellent benefits and an appealing work environment.   How to Apply Please submit a cover letter, résumé, a brief writing sample, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three (3) references online . Only complete applications will be considered. Although there is no deadline for applying, this position will be closed when CBO has received a sufficient quantity of applications from qualified candidates. This position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, as made applicable by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.   Because this is a ‘covered position’ within CBO, appointment to this position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as made applicable by regulations approved pursuant to the Congressional Accountability Act. Accordingly, qualified applicants who are not current employees of CBO and who were separated from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions and who served on active duty in the armed forces during certain wars, in certain expeditions or campaigns, or during specific time periods (veterans) or who are disabled veterans may be eligible to receive preference over nonpreference eligible applicants in appointment decisions. Spouses, widows, widowers, and mothers of certain veterans may also be eligible to claim preference, if the veteran cannot.   If claiming veterans’ preference, an applicant must identify himself or herself as eligible for veterans’ preference in the Self-Identification for Veterans’ Preference section of the application and must complete and submit a Veterans’ Preference Eligibility Form together with the supporting documentation specified on that form within two weeks of applying to veao@cbo.gov . Applicants may obtain a copy of CBO’s Veterans’ Preference in Appointments policy by submitting a written request to careers@cbo.gov .   Contact Nancy Fahey, Washington, DC, 202-226-2628 202-226-2628 ,  202-226-262 careers@cbo.gov EEO M/F/V/D   Call Send SMS Add to Skype You'll need Skype Credit Free via Skype