Job Opportunities

The National Security Division seeks candidates for an immediate opening for an assistant analyst.

The National Security Division prepares analyses of defense policies and programs to support the work of Congressional Committees. The division’s recent work includes the budget needed to maintain today’s military forces and the ability of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps to sustain the occupation of Iraq.

The successful candidate will provide the division’s analysts with spreadsheet and statistical analyses, graphics, literature reviews, and other research assistance. He or she may also conduct independent research on a variety of topics.

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 interest to the Congress. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering or a related discipline. This position requires U.S. citizenship; the incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range is $36,000 - $43,000 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
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking candidates for an entry-level assistant analyst position for a period not to exceed three years – ideal for those interested in substantive work experience before attending graduate school.

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division, with about 28 economists, shares responsibility for analyzing the federal government’s interventions in the financial market. In addition, it is generally responsible for the macroeconomic forecasts that are used in the budget and for reporting to the Congress on the likely macroeconomic impact of its proposals. Assistant analysts provide support to other members of the division on a wide variety of topics. They help maintain models and data used in financial analysis of federal financial programs such as asset purchases and investments in financial institutions. They assist in .the development of the economic forecast and projections, and in the data manipulation and analysis for projects such as: the effect of taxation on labor supply, the macroeconomic effects of social security reform proposals, the determinants of long-term growth, and the economic effects of fiscal policy. The new hire may participate in all those activities, but will initially have special responsibilities for the finance work.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in finance, economics or a related discipline, a strong quantitative background, good communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to meet deadlines, regular use of personal computers and a variety of software packages, and an interest in and facility for quantitative work. An interest in federal financial policy issues is desirable. The position requires a person who can work well with a number of senior staff members.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range is $36,000 to $43,000 and is commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and an attractive work environment.

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

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

The Microeconomic Studies Division (MSD) is seeking an assistant analyst to analyze potential mandates on the private sector that are contained in legislation and to provide research assistance on the division’s research projects.

MSD 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 the environment, federal personnel, intellectual property, natural resources, public investment in infrastructure and science, telecommunications, transportation, and trade.

The candidate would be responsible for monitoring bills as they move through the legislative process and analyzing the impact of federal legislation on the private sector. The analyst also would help to maintain databases and other data collection systems for tracking CBO's activities under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. In addition, the analyst would work with senior economists in preparing studies to analyze the economic and budgetary impact of issues before the Congress. The successful candidate will provide the division’s analysts with spreadsheet and statistical analyses, graphics, literature reviews, and other research assistance.

Qualifications: The position requires a person who can accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals and take initiative to gather suitable data to address policy questions. The candidate should have the ability to handle several analytic issues simultaneously and complete projects in a timely manner. The position also requires a person who can work well as a part of a team. Candidates also should have strong quantitative and writing skills and a desire to work on issues of current interest to the Congress.

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy or a related field of study. Training or experience in industry or regulatory analysis, or experience with the legislative process, is desirable but not required

Salary & Benefits: Salary range is $36,000-$43,000 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

The Financial Markets Unit of the Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking to hire a banking analyst to assist in monitoring and analyzing developments in the banking industry, and assessing the impact of planned or proposed government actions to address the problems currently facing that industry. CBO’s analysis plays an important role in Congressional deliberations on policy alternatives, and the banking analyst will work closely with other CBO staff in the preparation of studies, reports, and testimony for the Congress on current banking issues. CBO staff often have the opportunity to publish research results in professional journals.

The Financial Markets Unit, which has nine Ph.D.-level economists and financial analysts, has responsibility to support CBO’s analysis and reporting on Treasury use of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the recently enacted $700 billion program aimed at ameliorating the current financial crisis. In addition, it is broadly responsible for analyzing the implications for taxpayers of federal (or federally sponsored) financial programs and institutions, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and student loan programs, and for analyzing developments in financial markets to support CBO’s economic forecast.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a solid understanding of finance theory, including option pricing models, and experience in analyzing bank performance and bank regulation. Experience with manipulating data for the banking industry is essential. Educational background should include a Ph.D. or MBA in finance or economics, or equivalent experience. CBO will be looking for the ability to write clearly for both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive with public service positions 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 Financial Markets Unit of the Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking candidates for a position to conduct research and policy analyses of the federal government’s financial activities and institutions. They include the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)---the recently enacted $700 billion program aimed at ameliorating the current financial crisis---as well as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, student loans, and the federal pension guarantee program, among others. The work would include analyzing the risk and costs that those activities impose on the federal government, and how alternative policies could mitigate those effects.

CBO’s analysis plays an important role in Congressional deliberations on policy alternatives, and the financial modeler will work closely with other CBO staff in the preparation of studies, reports, and testimony for the Congress. CBO staff often have the opportunity to publish research results in professional journals.

The Financial Markets Unit, which has nine Ph.D.-level economists and financial analysts, has responsibility to support CBO’s analysis and reporting on the new TARP program. In addition, it is broadly responsible for analyzing the implications for taxpayers of federal (or federally sponsored) financial programs and institutions, and for analyzing developments in financial markets to support CBO’s economic forecast.

Qualifications: Candidates should have broad knowledge of finance theory and empirical applications, including training and experience in some of the following: assessing financial risk, modeling option values, valuing derivative securities and structured financial transactions, determining capital adequacy, and projecting the profitability of various forms of financial intermediation. Educational background should include a Ph.D. or MBA in finance or economics, or equivalent experience. CBO will be looking for the ability to write clearly for both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive with public service positions 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 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. Studies currently underway include an examination of critical issues in modifying the current health insurance system, the potential impact of health information technology on system performance and cost, the impact of preventive services on health status and spending, the effect of current and past obesity on health care costs, and an international comparison of health care systems. Other health policy studies are examining the circumstances of individuals without health insurance and analyzing drug patent challenges and the timing of generic entry.

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 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 Health and Human Resources Division is seeking an experienced 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. Ongoing and recently-completed projects in the employment and income security areas include trends in the distribution of income, earnings, and wage rates; the effects of recent turmoil in financial markets on retirement security; the variability of individual earnings and household income; the concentration of unemployment among long-term jobless people; and changes in the economic resources of low-income households with children. 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
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• 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: Please submit a cover letter, résumé, salary history, a brief writing sample, and contact information for three (3) references online at www.cbo.gov/employment/jobs.cfm. Recent graduates should submit an unofficial copy of academic transcripts and letters of recommendation in place of the reference contact list.

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
• 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: Please submit a cover letter, résumé, salary history, a brief writing sample, and contact information for three (3) references online at www.cbo.gov/employment/jobs.cfm. Recent graduates should submit an unofficial copy of academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.

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
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division is seeking a Programmer/ Analyst.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, income security, education, and employment. Ongoing and recently completed projects include an examination of critical issues in modifying the current health insurance system, the potential impact of health information technology on system performance and cost, the effect of current and past obesity on health care costs, the variability over time of individual earnings and household income, the effects of recent turmoil in financial markets on retirement security; and changes in the economic resources of low-income households with children.

The successful candidate will work with senior economists on a range of specific projects. Responsibilities include: assembling databases; performing analyses using large micro-data files; modeling proposed changes in federal programs and policies; and creating and operating microsimulation models. Commonly used databases include the Current Population Survey, the Survey of Income and Program Participation, the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, and Medicare and Medicaid claims files.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, or a related discipline. They should also be proficient in SAS and/or STATA. Prior experience with the above-mentioned data sets would be a definite advantage. Candidates should have a strong interest in federal policies and programs related to health care, income support, and education.

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

The Tax Analysis Division is seeking 1-2 experienced public finance economists with an interest and background in analyzing a broad range of tax policies as they relate to one or more of the following areas: (1) corporate taxation and international tax issues, (2) energy and the environment, (3) health care and health insurance coverage.

The Tax Analysis Division is responsible for projecting federal revenues as part of the Congressional Budget Office’s official ten-year budget "baseline" and providing the Congress with analysis and evaluation of the effects of past and proposed changes to federal tax policies. The position offers the opportunity to conduct research on a variety of federal tax policy issues as they relate to the three areas mentioned above. Responsibilities include conducting in-depth CBO studies, writing shorter-term memoranda and testimonies, and preparing detailed analyses of current legislative proposals. Staff members are encouraged to actively participate in the policy research community by presenting papers at conferences and publishing articles in conference volumes and academic journals.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline and a proven record of accomplishment. They also should have strong quantitative skills, the ability to initiate and complete research projects independently and as a member of a team, the ability to clearly present their work orally and in writing to non-technical audiences, and a desire to work on issues of current or potential legislative interest to the Congress.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits 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
• Three Writing Samples

The Long-Term Modeling Group in the Health and Human Resources Division seeks an economist who will help integrate health status and health care expenditures into a large-scale micro-simulation model and conduct research in the health area. The model provides the basis for analyzing economic well-being of individuals across and within cohorts as well as projected budget outcomes, with a special focus on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Research could encompass areas such as factors that drive health cost growth, characteristics of high-cost Medicare beneficiaries, or the correlation of health expenditures within families.

Qualifications: The group seeks an individual with excellent quantitative skills that span both macro and micro data analysis, a willingness to learn micro-simulation modeling, and the ability to write for non-technical audiences. Candidates should have a PhD in economics, and experience in health economics is preferred.

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

The Financial Markets Unit of the Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking to hire a securities market analyst to assist in analyzing federal interventions in financial markets. The work will include monitoring and analyzing developments in the securities market, and assessing the impact of planned or proposed government actions to address the problems currently facing the financial markets. CBO’s analysis plays an important role in Congressional deliberations on policy alternatives, and the securities market analyst will work closely with other CBO staff in the preparation of studies, reports, and testimony for the Congress. CBO staff often have the opportunity to publish research results in professional journals.

The Financial Markets Unit, which has nine Ph.D.-level economists and financial analysts, has responsibility to support CBO’s analysis and reporting on Treasury use of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the recently enacted $700 billion program aimed at ameliorating the current financial crisis. In addition, it is broadly responsible for analyzing the implications for taxpayers of federal (or federally sponsored) financial programs and institutions, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and student loan programs, and for analyzing developments in financial markets to support CBO’s economic forecast.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a solid understanding of finance theory and experience in analyzing markets for fixed-income securities and derivative products. Educational background should include a Ph.D. or MBA in finance or economics, or equivalent experience. CBO will be looking for the ability to write clearly for both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive with public service positions 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 seeks candidates who have a background and interest in health analysis and will be available for a Health Policy Internship in the summer of 2009.

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, altering Social Security with the aging of the baby-boom generation, and making use of private health plans in Medicare. Other studies have examined consumer-directed health plans, prescription drug pricing, the effects of medical malpractice reform, as well as changes in low-wage labor markets and the role of immigrants in the U.S. labor market.

Please indicate your availability in your cover letter. The Health Policy Intern position is open until filled. Students who would also like to be considered for the Summer Internship Program should submit a separate application at www.cbo.gov/employment/intern.cfm between December 15, 2008 and March 2, 2009.

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)
• Short Writing Sample