The Congressional Budget Office, a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic, policy, and budgetary analysis to the Congress, is seeking assistant analysts to work in various divisions. Specific duties vary by division, but most include research assistance, statistical analysis, database management, literature review, and quality assurance.
Qualifications
Candidates for this position must have the following:
- A bachelor’s degree by June 2022.
- A strong academic background in economics, mathematics, statistics, finance, computer science, policy analysis, or a related field with economics coursework.
- Strong quantitative skills.
- Attention to detail, strong written and oral communication skills, perseverance, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a desire to work on issues of current interest to the Congress.
- Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office products. (Proficiency with at least one statistical software package or programming language—such as Python, MATLAB, Stata, R, or SAS—is preferred for some positions.)
This is an entry-level position limited to three years. The position is ideal for those interested in substantive work experience before attending graduate school in economics, public policy, or a related field. The position is only for those who have or are completing a bachelor’s degree; it is not for those who have or are completing a master’s degree.
Divisions
The following divisions at CBO may be seeking assistant analysts.
- The Budget Analysis Division develops projections of federal spending and estimates the budgetary impact of proposed legislation. Assistant analysts work both independently and collaboratively and often within short time frames, obtaining data to address policy questions and preparing analyses to meet the needs of Congressional committees.
- The Health Analysis Division produces reports on a range of policy issues that include Medicare, Medicaid, and subsidies provided through health insurance exchanges; the division also plays a key role in CBO’s estimates of the costs of certain proposed changes to health care programs. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to the division’s staff of economists and public policy analysts. Typical activities include statistical analyses, programming support, literature reviews, and quality assurance reviews.
- The Labor, Income Security, and Long-Term Analysis Division analyzes a range of federal programs and policies, including Social Security and programs related to education and income security. The division is also responsible for CBO’s long-term budget projections and the agency’s long-term microsimulation model. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to the division’s staff of economists. Typical activities include statistical analyses, programming support, literature reviews, and quality assurance reviews .
- The Macroeconomic Analysis Division conducts analysis of current economic conditions, develops CBO’s economic forecast, and analyzes the economic effects of fiscal policy. Assistant analysts prepare materials for CBO’s publications, maintain the division’s databases, and assist with data collection and economic analysis for the division’s projects.
- The Microeconomic Studies Division analyzes a wide variety of policy issues related to energy, climate, and the environment as well as transportation and infrastructure. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to projects in the division’s portfolio; CBO expects that many of those projects will relate to climate change in the coming years.
Salary and Benefits
The starting salary will range from $52,500 to $55,000 and will be commensurate with related experience. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, a résumé, a brief writing sample, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references online at www.cbo.gov/careers . Incomplete applications will not be considered. Although there is no deadline, this position may be closed any time after February 14, 2022, if CBO has received a sufficient number of applications from qualified candidates. This position is covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.
Contact
Kate Green or Annita Gulati, Washington, DC, careers@cbo.gov
