US Department of Health and Human Services

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking an Economist (GS-13). ASPE serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of HHS on policy development and is responsible for major activities in the areas of policy coordination, legislative development, strategic planning, policy research, evaluation, and economic analysis.

This position is within ASPE’s Office of Science and Data Policy, which is the departmental focal point for policy research, analysis, evaluation, and coordination of department-wide public health, science policy, and data policy activities and issues. Within this office, the Division of Science and Public Health Policy is the lead on public health and biomedical science issues and initiatives.

Economists at ASPE:
• Apply their knowledge of economic theory, statistical and econometric techniques, and computer modeling to develop and conduct research and evaluation projects related to science and public health policy;
• Review and provide comment on economic analyses prepared within HHS, including benefit-cost analyses of regulations under consideration by the Department;
• Make critical contributions to analyses of high-priority science and public health policies;
• Develop, design, and conduct policy-relevant research projects that include both quantitative and qualitative analyses;
• Collaborate with multiple HHS science and public health agencies, as well as counterparts in other Federal agencies and relevant stakeholders; and
• Help respond to requests from the ASPE, departmental leadership, and the White House for policy analysis and information on a variety of science and public health topics and initiatives.

Qualified candidates should have:
• A demonstrated ability to explain research methodology and justify conclusions drawn from data;
• Experience evaluating economic issues and trends;
• A strong background in applied microeconomics;
• Exceptional research, analytical, and empirical skills;
• Experience with data manipulation and statistical programs;
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write technical and non-technical reports and lead oral presentations for economist and non-economist audiences;
• An interest in working on a variety of topics and in a fast-paced, collaborative environment; and
• Knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system and interest in applied policy issues.

This position is based at HHS Headquarters in Washington, DC. U.S. citizenship is required.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.