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 UCLA, UC Berkeley, Washington University-St. Louis, the University of Wisconsin, 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. Independent research is also encouraged, and FTC economists publish in top journals and present their work at conferences. Economists also share their experience through the FTC’s International Technical Assistance program which fosters policy development and law enforcement around the globe. There are also opportunities for economists to be detailed temporarily to other government agencies, such as the Council of Economic Advisers, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission.   

Learn more about BE…

2009 Job Opportunities

BE expects to have both junior and senior openings for economist in 2009, as well as openings in our Visiting Economic Scholars and Fellows Program.  Permanent hires must be U.S. citizens, but certain non-U.S. citizens are eligible for the visiting scholars program.  Non-U.S. citizens must be from countries with collective defense arrangements, a list of which can be found here. Qualified applicants must exhibit thorough comprehension of microeconomic analysis and the research skills necessary for effective written and oral contributions on the public policy issues facing the FTC.   Economists in all fields of applied microeconomics or econometrics are encouraged to apply.

Persons wishing to discuss opportunities at the FTC may do so at the January AEA meetings in San Francisco, or at FTC offices in Washington D.C.  Interested economists that recently received their PhDs or expect to receive them in 2009 should e-mail a resume (include citizenship status), sole-authored writing sample, current transcript, and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be e-mailed to econrecruit@ftc.gov.  Interested senior economists or visitors should e-mail a resume (include citizenship status), a writing sample, a copy of your diploma or final graduate transcript, and arrange for at least one letter of recommendation to be e-mailed to econrecruit@ftc.gov.  If you wish to be considered for the visiting position, please indicate that in your cover letter.  Please submit necessary materials by December 1, 2008.  The FTC is an equal opportunity employer.  For questions, contact Neal Reed at 202-326-3427 or nwreed@ftc.gov. 

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.  Economists in BE are also eligible to apply for the Kramer Fellowship, which allows them to pursue academic interests for nine months at either Harvard University or the University of Chicago.

• Selected BE Staff Publications
• Bureau of Economics Working Papers
• Bureau of Economics Reports
• Commission Reports

Seminars and Conferences

The Bureau of Economics sponsors a weekly academic-style seminar series.  In addition, several other government agencies and Universities in the Washington, DC, area have seminar series that BE economists can attend. The Bureau also provides opportunities for continuing professional development through workshops and lectures by leading academics.

The Bureau of Economics also organizes and participates in a variety of conferences and hearings that explore issues that relate to the Commission’s competition and consumer protection missions. In November 2008, the Bureau of Economics will host the first annual FTC Microeconomics Conference.  Other 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.

• Current seminar schedule
• Recent conferences

Human Resource Links

The FTC offers a family-friendly and collegial work environment in modern offices just steps from Union Station, which has access to Metro, Washington’s subway, and commuter rail lines. 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.

• Salaries:  The career ladder for BE economists range from GS-12 to GS-15.  The current salaries for these grades are listed on the 2008 pay table.
• Leave:  Federal employees accrue annual leave based on years of Federal service.  During the first three years, employees earn thirteen days of leave per year, from three to fifteen years employees earn twenty days of leave per year, and after fifteen years, employees earn twenty-six days of leave per year.  Federal employees also receive thirteen days of sick leave per year.  Additionally, employees enjoy ten paid federal holidays each year.
• Health Insurance:  Federal employees can choose from a number of different health insurance plans, including fee-for-service, point-of-service, HMOs and high-deductible health plans through the Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) program.  FTC employees are also eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts and Long Term Care Insurance.
• Life Insurance:  New federal employees are eligible for life insurance benefits through Federal Employee Group Life Insurance.
• Retirement information:  New federal employees are covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).  This program includes both a defined benefit program and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401(k) style defined contribution plan.
• Transit Subsidies:  The FTC offers employees a transit subsidy that is redeemable for public transportation including the Metro, bus, or commuter rail.