Job Opportunities

The Microeconomic Studies Division is seeking an analyst to work as a part of its Private Sector Mandates Unit. The primary responsibility of mandate analysts is to prepare estimates of the effects of federal legislation on the private sector. A required part of the legislative process, the results of these analyses are reported directly to the Congress for consideration during its deliberations, as well as made available publicly. This is an opportunity to be involved in carrying out CBO's responsibilities under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

The Microeconomic Studies Division is responsible for researching and analyzing the economic effects of governmental policies and regulations on the private sector. Analytical areas include agriculture, commerce, energy and natural resources, the environment, federal personnel, intellectual property, public investment in infrastructure and science, telecommunications, transportation, and trade. Analysts in the Private-Sector Mandates Unit prepare statements on the impact of legislation in those areas and monitor and evaluate bills as they move through the legislative process. Analysts may also participate in studies on current policy issues.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field; or equivalent experience. The position requires a person who has the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and complete projects under tight deadlines. The candidate should have a strong quantitative orientation with an ability to gather suitable data to address policy questions. The position also requires a person who can work well as a part of a team. Candidates should have the ability to clearly present their work orally and in writing. Training or experience in industry or regulatory analysis, or experience with the legislative process, is desirable but not required.

In addition, candidates should have the ability to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals, be adept at using spreadsheets, and database software, and desire to work on issues of current interest to the Congress.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Short Writing Sample

CBO seeks to fill the senior executive position responsible for directing the agency’s Management, Business, and Information Services (MBIS) Division, which has a staff of approximately 35 people.

The Management, Business, and Information Services Division provides support services to CBO's other divisions, including budget and finance, human resources, information technology, facilities management, and library services. The division also provides editorial and publishing services.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate would have a proven track record as an executive in the areas of agency management, budget, financial management, human resources, production of publications, and information resources. Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills are required and candidates should have a bachelor’s or an advanced degree. The position requires the ability to formulate, communicate, and direct human resources and administrative policies for the entire staff of analysts and managers, many of whom have advanced degrees in economics, public policy or related disciplines. You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance. To ensure consideration, external candidates should submit an application by September 15, 2008.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive with Executive Branch levels for senior executive positions and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Contact Information for Three References

The National Security Division has an opening for a defense analyst.

The National Security Division prepares analyses of defense policies and programs to support the work of Congressional Committees. The division’s staff is responsible for all the steps needed to carry out that task: gathering relevant information from DoD and other sources; analyzing that information and preparing reports, testimony, and briefings to communicate their findings.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of performing technical or economic analyses of complex issues regarding choices in national security policy. He or she will have developed expertise in one or more areas of the defense program and should be familiar with those DoD and military service offices responsible for the formulation of policy and management of programs in those areas.

Candidates must have a strong quantitative background, an interest in policy analysis, and the ability to write clearly for a non-technical audience. An advanced degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, or economics is required. Successful candidates will be able to quickly learn about new programs and, working independently, design and execute quantitative analyses. This position requires U.S. citizenship; the incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division seeks candidates who have a background and interest in health analysis and will be available for a Health Policy Internship in the fall of 2008.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, income security, education, and employment. Recently, the division has analyzed options for increasing the number of people with health insurance and altering Social Security with the aging of the baby-boom generation.. Other studies have examined the long-term outlook for health spending, evidence on the costs and benefits of health information technology, growing disparities in life expectancy, geographic variation in health care spending, and trends in earnings variability.

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, and complete assignments in a timely manner. Candidates should have strong quantitative and writing skills, be adept at using spreadsheets and basic graphics software, and desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Ideal candidates are those pursuing a graduate degree in economics, public health, health policy or related disciplines with the desire to work in the analysis of the economic and budgetary impact of health related issues.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range is based on academic level and related experience. Compensation includes a transportation subsidy. The selected candidate would be expected to work a 40 hour week, but an alternate schedule may be considered. Housing and relocation expenses are not provided.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Budget Analysis Division seeks health analysts to focus on components of Medicare, especially prescription drugs, Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Public Health Service.

CBO’s health analysts work closely with key Congressional staff on the development of federal health care policy. Analysts will prepare multiyear spending projections for federal civilian health programs, analyze the Administration’s budget proposals, and prepare cost estimates for legislation being considered by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Legislation may encompass a wide range of initiatives affecting the financing or delivery of health care services, including proposals to modify existing benefits in the Medicaid or Medicare prescription drug programs, finance long-term care initiatives, expand health insurance coverage, and extend patents for drugs.

The Congress relies on such analyses to prepare its annual budget plan, evaluate the President's budgetary proposals, and measure the potential budgetary impact of policy proposals. Individual CBO analysts have wide-ranging responsibilities and often play a significant role in the legislative and budget process.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a graduate degree in public policy, public administration, public health, economics, or a related field. The position requires a person with strong skills in quantitative methods, a strong interest in health policy, and:

• The aptitude to develop and maintain simulation models for analysis of health policies;

• The ability to clearly explain and defend analytic results orally and in writing to colleagues, Congressional staff, Members of Congress, and the public;

• The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, frequently under tight deadlines; and

• The desire to make a visible and direct contribution to the development of health policy in a nonpartisan setting. Experience in policy analysis, knowledge of health care financing issues, familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal health programs, and understanding of prescription drug markets is desired.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division is seeking health economists and health policy analysts.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, income security, education, and employment. The division is actively increasing the scope of its efforts in health policy. Topics span a range of areas from the large, federally sponsored health programs to the operation and regulation of the private health insurance market. Projects addressing the high level and growth rate of healthcare costs are especially relevant. Studies currently underway include analyses of options for increasing the number of people with health insurance coverage, the extent and causes of geographical variation in health care spending, the potential impact of health information technology on system performance and cost, and the likely effects of comparative effectiveness research on the practice of medicine and health care spending. Other health policy studies are examining the market for pharmaceuticals, analyzing the potential impacts of consumer-driven health plans, and exploring the underlying causes of rising health care costs.

The successful candidate will contribute to the full range of the division's responsibilities. Those include preparing longer term CBO studies and shorter term memoranda and testimonies, performing detailed analyses of proposed legislation, and assessing the impact on the private sector of a variety of legislative initiatives.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong quantitative background, excellent writing skills, and a desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Applicants should also have a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline; applicants with master’s degrees and substantial health-related experience may be considered. Several years of experience in health policy are preferred but not required.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking an economist with a background in macroeconomics, labor economics, and/or health.

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division advises the Congress about the macroeconomic effects of federal fiscal policy. It analyzes the possible economic effects of the President’s proposals each year, and regularly reports on current economic issues. Looking forward, we anticipate a significant increase in demand for analysis of health care proposals, and the successful candidate would play a major role in helping to analyze the macroeconomic effects of those proposals. The position requires writing CBO studies for Members of Congress and their staffs, as well as carrying out original research. CBO staff regularly publish similar research in professional journals.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent and have demonstrated excellence in carrying out original research in macroeconomics, labor markets, and/or health. Because the position involves working at the intersection of those three fields, the successful candidates must be comfortable working in at least two of the three. The position will involve considerable writing for lay audiences, so the ability to communicate technical material in a clear manner is essential. A deep interest in contributing to the policy debate and the ability to work well in a fluid policy environment are also necessary.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking several macroeconomists with fields in banking, public finance, labor economics, housing, or econometrics. The Macroeconomic Analysis Division advises the Congress about the macroeconomic effects of federal fiscal policy, analyzes emerging developments in financial markets and the economy, and prepares CBO’s semi-annual economic forecast. In the coming year, the division anticipates carrying out analyses of various options for addressing the current problems in the mortgage and financial markets, different approaches for controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and alternative reforms of the nation’s health care system. The position involves writing CBO studies of similar issues, drafting testimonies, and carrying out original economic research. CBO staff regularly publishes the results of their research in professional journals.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent. Economists who have a broad range of policy interests are encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have strong econometric skills, experience building and using stochastic dynamic equilibrium models, and familiarity with micro data. Excellent interpersonal, writing, and quantitative skills, and the ability to communicate technical material in a clear manner are essential. Successful candidates will be able to work independently, and complete work in a timely manner. CBO has strict citizenship requirements; non-citizens should visit the CBO website, www.cbo.gov/employment/citizen.shtml, to determine eligibility before applying.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division is seeking a senior labor economist with an interest in analyzing a broad range of policies and programs affecting employment and income security.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, employment, income security, and education. Recently-completed projects in the employment and income security areas include analyses of changes in low-wage labor markets during the past two decades, the role of immigrants in the U.S. labor market, participation in means-tested programs, and a comparison of the anti-poverty effectiveness of expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and increasing the federal minimum wage rate. Projects currently underway include analyses of long-term unemployment, the volatility of earnings and family income, changes in the level and sources of income of families with children, and analyses of various proposals for assisting displaced workers. The successful candidate will contribute to the full range of the division's responsibilities, including the development and implementation of major research projects of use to the Congress. Products include longer-term CBO studies, shorter-term memoranda and testimonies, and detailed analyses of proposed legislation.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline and a proven record of accomplishment. They also should have a strong quantitative background, the ability to clearly present their work orally and in writing to non-technical audiences, and a desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Successful candidates will be able to work both independently and as the senior member of a team.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

CBO’s Macroeconomic Analysis Division seeks to fill the position of Chief of the Fiscal Policy Studies Unit. That unit analyzes and describes the likely macroeconomic effects of fiscal policies, using several dynamic general equilibrium models that it designs, builds and maintains.

Qualifications: The division seeks an individual with three core competencies: understanding of the design and implementation of stochastic dynamic models (including representative and heterogeneous agent models); ability to direct and motivate a research staff; and proven ability to write for a non-technical audience and to manage such writing. Candidates should have formal qualifications or experience that allows them to lead a staff of PhD economists.

To ensure consideration, candidates should submit an application by October 7, 2008.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample