Visiting Economist

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) has an immediate opening for a one-year position as a visiting economist. Preferred areas of research include labor economics or public economics, but a wide range of specialties will be considered. All candidates, however, must do research that is highly relevant to federal policy debates and have a deep familiarity with how economic research intersects with policymaking. If funding permits, the position could be extended or made permanent. We prefer a candidate with at least 3 years of experience, but will consider candidates at all levels of experience, with the salary reflecting the experience of the successful candidate.

A core responsibility for this position will be overseeing short, rigorous literature reviews on an ongoing basis to inform EPI internal decision-making, as well as our partners and funders, about the most up-to-date research findings on particular issue areas. The economist will review research, analyze data, and evaluate policy proposals to identify how policymakers can most effectively address inequality and boost incomes and living standards for workers and their families. The economist will produce original work and data analysis as well as contribute to group research efforts and will provide technical assistance and support to EPI partners and policymakers. The ideal candidate is technically proficient, deeply familiar with the literature across at least one or two other areas of economic and policy debates outside of their primary field, and committed to progressive economic change. Excellent organizational abilities and written and oral communication skills are required.

EPI is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that researches the impact of economic trends and policies on typical families in the United States. Our mission is centering the policy debate on the economic interests of low and middle-income households. EPI is a key institution in the movement for economic justice in the United States and is widely recognized as a source of authoritative analysis on economic trends, with a particular focus on economic inequality.

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace not only strengthens the institute’s work, but is also essential for understanding and creating economic policies that support all working people. EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.

This position is based in Washington, D.C. EPI staff are currently working remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. We will resume in-person work at EPI’s offices in Washington when it is safe to do so. Under the appropriate circumstances, g this position could be full-time remote (with occasional trips to DC and other travel potentially required).

What You Will Do

·        Oversee the production of frequent short literature reviews summarizing the state-of-the-art in research findings across a range of policy-relevant questions, as well as critically evaluating key research or policy papers. These reviews will be less technical than journal articles and must be understandable to non-academic economic policy analysts and researchers, but must be rigorous and display in-depth familiarity with the extant research literature.

·        Produce reports, fact sheets, op-eds, blog posts, resource packets, and other documents on a wide range of economic issues and policies, but with particular focus on the impact that federal economic policies have on working people.

·        Collect and analyze data to describe the impact of public policies on working families and the economy.

·        Produce custom statistics and data sets for EPI partners and the media when it furthers EPI’s mission.

·        Review and contribute to EPI reports and products.

·        Serve as a key EPI spokesperson on your issue areas.

·        Engage in public debates, policy advocacy, and public education through conference presentations, briefings, expert testimony, and responding to media inquiries.

Who You Are

We do not expect that every candidate will have this full range of experiences, but the following qualities and experience are highly desirable:

·        A PhD or equivalent in economics, public policy, sociology, or another quantitative social science.

·        A strong statistics competency and understanding of econometric techniques.

·        Training and experience with analysis of microdata, including the use of statistical software such as Stata or R.

·        Demonstrated deep familiarity with the extant research literature across a range of economic areas.

·        Familiarity with high-profile federal policy debates.

·        Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to create materials for a wide range of audiences.

·        Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and coordinate with colleagues.

·        Ability to represent the organization at meetings and events, as well as with the media and in testimony before government bodies.

·        Self-motivated and able to work independently, but also able to collaborate and work as part of a team and with diverse partners.

Salary and Benefits

·        EPI is a unionized workplace with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). This position is in the bargaining unit and reports to the Research Director.

·        Salaries for economists at EPI are competitive. They range from $103,495 for a freshly-minted PhD to $151,500 for a senior institute economist with 17 years of experience.

·        EPI offers an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, as well as retirement contributions, medical, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.

To Apply 

Candidates should send a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience and explaining their interest in working at EPI, resume, and writing sample to research-jobs@epi.org with “Visiting Economist” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.