Bureau of Economics Information for Economist Job Applicants

The Bureau of Economics (BE) at the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a proud tradition of providing scientifically sound, data-driven economic analysis that informs antitrust, consumer protection, and business regulation policy in the United States. With a staff of approximately 70 PhD-holding applied microeconomists, BE plays an essential role in virtually all aspects of the FTC’s mission while striving to maintain a quality of economic analysis that rivals work done in major universities’ economics departments. Recent hires have obtained PhDs from UC Berkeley, Northwestern University, the University of Texas, UC Santa Barbara, the University of Minnesota, the University of Illinois, and the University of Virginia.

Much of the work done by BE is economic analysis of issues related directly to law enforcement activities, such as case investigation or litigation support. Other activities involve policy analysis and research related to the FTC consumer protection and antitrust missions. That research buttresses our efforts in promoting competition-based policies at the state and federal levels and in fostering coordination in policy development and law enforcement around the globe. Additionally, staff economists pursue independent research interests.

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Scholarship and Research in the Bureau

Economists in BE benefit from numerous opportunities to advance their research careers, and their scholarly output takes a variety of forms, including publications in economics journals, working papers, and Bureau and Commission reports. A large group of well-qualified and experienced research and data analysts provides high quality support to the economic staff.

Seminars and Conferences

In addition to sponsoring a weekly academic-style seminar series, BE organizes and participates in a variety of conferences and hearings that explore issues that relate to the Commission’s competition and consumer protection missions. Recent conferences have explored antitrust analysis of the grocery industry, the relevance of behavioral economics for consumer protection policy, the economics of the pharmaceutical industry, and the economics of Internet auctions. These forums bring together leading scholars, policymakers, and industry participants.

Human Resource Links

The FTC offers a family-friendly and collegial work environment in modern offices just steps from the Metro, Washington’s subway. A variety of child-care options are available in the vicinity, including at the FTC’s headquarters building. Locker room and bicycle storage facilities are also available on-site. For more information on the range of salaries and types of benefits offered, follow the links below.


Last Modified: Wednesday, 26-Mar-2008 07:26:00 EDT