The Congressional Budget Office is a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking a macroeconomist with a broad range of interests, including fiscal policy and public finance. The division assesses the macroeconomic effects of federal fiscal policy over the short and long runs, analyzes emerging developments in the economy, and prepares a semiannual economic forecast. The division’s portfolio of analysis covers a wide range of issues, including these over the past several years: the effects of federal investment on private-sector productivity, the effects of immigration reform on the economy, the effects of changes in the global economy and international trade, and the economic effects of health care reform. The position involves analyzing similar issues, writing CBO reports describing the analyses, and carrying out original economic research.
The successful candidate will contribute to the full range of the division’s responsibilities. Those include constructing and improving cutting-edge models that underlie CBO’s policy analyses, preparing longer-term studies, and assessing the dynamic effects of specific pieces of legislation (sometimes called “dynamic scoring”). Also, the successful candidate will be encouraged to turn CBO projects and independent research into CBO working papers and outside publications.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in economics or a closely related discipline, such as public policy or applied statistics, or a master’s degree with at least five years’ relevant experience. Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience in macroeconomic modeling, forecasting, or consulting, especially with quantitative fiscal policy analysis. Excellent quantitative, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential—including the ability to communicate technical material clearly to a variety of audiences—as are the ability to work independently and to complete projects under tight deadlines. Both junior- and senior-level candidates will be considered. Noncitizens should review the agency’s citizenship requirements or contact careers@cbo.gov for help in determining eligibility.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, a brief writing sample, salary history, and contact information for three references at www.cbo.gov/careers. 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. Although there is no deadline by which to apply, this position may be closed anytime after November 22, 2017 if CBO has received a sufficient number of applications from qualified candidates. Only complete applications will be considered. This position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, as made applicable by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.
Contact
Nancy Fahey, Washington, DC, 202-226-2628, careers@cbo.gov
