Research Economist Jobs
Research Economist jobs are open across government agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms, academia, and think tanks, from entry-level analyst roles to senior principal and director positions, with specializations in labor economics, applied microeconomics, and policy analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Summary
The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is seeking a Research Economist to conduct regulatory analysis and lead the Commission’s economic analysis in support of rulemaking, policy development, and oversight. The OCE provides expert economic advice to the Commission, with a primary focus on regulatory impact analysis, market impact assessment, and evaluation of regulatory alternatives; to foster market transparency by disseminating its research to market participants and the general public.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Clarification from the agency
This vacancy is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions.
Duties
If selected for this position you will;
- Have responsibility for economic programs which gather, analyze, interpret, and publish the vast array of economic information, or which administer regulation of the commodity futures, associated options, and swaps marketplaces.
- Assume responsibility for economic research of great significance, and difficulty.
- Furnish economic advice and counsel on important Commission programs.
- Spearhead interagency projects or conduct presentations for officials outside the agency on key programs within their area of specialization.
- As a recognized expert in the economic and statistical analysis of futures, swaps, and other derivatives markets, the incumbent is expected to be sought out to serve on panels and to present and review papers at professional meetings and conferences, and to contribute to the literature in the field.
- Conduct complex specialized economic research, self-initiated or as requested by the Chief Economist, regarding the commodity and futures markets utilizing econometric tools.
- Provide expert guidance to the Deputy Chief Economist and Commission staff based on research results.
- Conceive, formulate, and conduct or direct in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies of derivative markets. Such studies require a high degree of originality and creativity in the extension of existing methodology and in the creation of new approaches. The products of such studies provide guidance throughout CFTC in such activities as developing and revising CFTC regulations, assessing the cost and benefits of regulations, evaluating exchange rules, developing trade reporting requirements, and taking legal and regulatory actions.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship
- Background/Security Investigation
- May be required to serve one-year probationary period
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You will be evaluated based on your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:
Economic Research - Knowledge of economic theory, methodologies, statistical procedures sufficient to design, coordinate and execute difficult and all-encompassing economic analyses which have a critical impact on major financial institutions or national economic interest.
Financial Analysis - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, derivatives pricing, and modeling to direct in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies of derivatives markets.
Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates and produces complex economic and statistical information in a clear and organized manner.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet both the basic requirement and specialized experience for the positions.
Basic Requirement
Applicants must possess one of the following:
A) Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)
–OR
B) Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)
In addition to the basic requirements for this position:
To qualify for the CT-15 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-14 level). Specialized experience includes but is not limited to:
- Experience designing, coordinating, and directing quantitative and qualitative studies of financial markets.
- Experience conducting complex economic research and analysis related to the regulation of derivatives markets.
- Experience translating complex economic and data‑driven information into clear, policy‑relevant, guidance to support senior‑level decision‑making.
Education
Please refer to the OPM Economist Series 0110 qualifications standard for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position.
To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
This position is in the Bargaining Unit.
Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Probationary Period:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- Your performance and conduct;
- The needs and interests of the agency;
- Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.
The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.
The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This vacancy is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply and all applicants who meet the specialized experience will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. This vacancy requires a job-related assessment tool, Work Sample Tests (Writing Sample), to be submitted with your application. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) will independently review your resume and writing sample to assess how well your experience demonstrates the required competencies for this position listed in the "Requirements" section of this announcement.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
- Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max);
- Writing Sample;
- Performance appraisal (optional);
- Transcripts (an unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy with the date the degree was awarded is required prior to firm offer letter being extended)
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at:
http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
CTAP/ICTAP Candidates MUST submit:
1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice;
2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating;
3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and
4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local
commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or
transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Agency contact information
Three Lafayette Centre
1155 21st Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20581
United States
Next steps
For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
Overview
- 0110 Economist
- Credentialing
- Suitability/Fitness
Research Economist Jobs by Experience Level
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research economist jobs.
- Master's or doctoral degree in economics, statistics, or a closely related quantitative field
- Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python for econometric modeling and data analysis
- Experience designing and executing empirical research using large-scale administrative or survey data
- Ability to communicate technical findings clearly in written reports and oral presentations to non-specialist audiences
- Familiarity with causal inference methods such as difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, or instrumental variables
- Experience with version control systems and reproducible research workflows using tools such as Git
Tips for Your Research Economist Job Search
Match your methods to the posting
Job listings often specify tools like Stata, R, Python, or SAS explicitly. Scan each posting and mirror that exact language in your skills section. Applicants whose resumes match the technical stack in the posting clear screening filters faster.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists research economist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by research domain
Federal agencies, central banks, and private research firms hire for narrow specializations like health economics, industrial organization, or trade policy. Search within your domain rather than broadly. A targeted application to a matched role outperforms a generic one sent to ten mismatched postings.
Prepare a job market paper summary
Many interviews, especially at policy institutions and central banks, open with a request to walk through your primary research. Prepare a ten-minute verbal summary of your methodology, data sources, and findings that you can deliver without slides and field questions from non-specialists.
Negotiate start dates around data access
If your current role involves proprietary datasets or restricted-use microdata, clarify data ownership before accepting an offer. Some institutions require a gap between roles to prevent conflicts. Raising this in the offer conversation is standard practice and expected at senior research levels.
Research Economist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most research economists?
RTI International, Texas A&M University, and University of Missouri are hiring the most research economists right now, with openings concentrated in District of Columbia, Missouri, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Federal agencies, central banks, and large financial institutions consistently account for a significant share of active postings.
How many research economist jobs are remote?
About 30% of research economist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the data-intensive, independent nature of much of the work. Policy analysis, applied microeconomics, and modeling roles tend to offer the most location flexibility, while positions requiring regular collaboration with field teams or government stakeholders are more likely to require an on-site presence.
How do you become a research economist?
Most research economist roles require at minimum a master's degree in economics or a closely related quantitative field, with doctoral degrees expected for senior or independent research positions. Build your candidacy by completing original empirical research, publishing or posting working papers, developing proficiency in econometric software, and gaining experience with large administrative or survey datasets through graduate research or internships at policy institutions.
How do you get hired as a research economist with little experience?
Entry-level research economist roles at federal agencies, think tanks, and financial institutions often accept candidates with a strong master's thesis or graduate research project in lieu of professional experience. Emphasize your methodological skills, data work, and any research assistance roles. Applying to research analyst positions is a proven path in: many analysts move into full economist titles after demonstrating independent research output within two or three years.
What does the research economist interview process look like?
Most research economist hiring processes include an initial screening call focused on your background and research agenda, followed by a technical round assessing your econometric methods and data skills. Senior or academic-track roles typically require a job market paper presentation to a panel of economists. Final rounds often include meetings with potential collaborators and a discussion of your research pipeline and longer-term agenda.
Where can I find and apply to research economist jobs?
You can find and apply to research economist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
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