University of Pennsylvania

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM) is a non-partisan, research-based initiative that provides accurate and transparent economic analysis of public policy. As the honest broker operating at the intersection of public policy and innovative economics modeling, PWBM does not make policy recommendations. PWBM’s work is widely cited and has been influential in many key recent policy discussions, including Covid relief packages, climate investments, tax reform, infrastructure, education, paid family leave, Social Security, health care and many other areas.

PWBM has a staff opening for a new or experienced economist with interests in public economics and international macroeconomics. This position builds general equilibrium dynamic models of the economy for analyzing problems in international economics. These include models of international capital flows and taxation that study the behavior of multinational corporations and the effects of changes to international tax laws, and overlapping-generations (OLG) models that examine the effects of alternative tax and spending policies. Staff economists are encouraged to publish their research findings in professional journals. A PhD in Economics is required.

Duties:

- Build models of international economics to estimate the effects of international tax policy on budgetary outcomes (government revenues and costs) and various economic variables.
- Analyze data to test the effectiveness of current policies.
- Work with the team to create, update, extend, and calibrate large scale economic/financial models.
- Generate reports related to topics in international taxation as well as other policy areas such as tax reform, immigration, education, and the environment.
- Oversee, direct, and train junior research staff.
- Engage with external stakeholders such as federal agencies and lawmakers.

Qualifications:

- A PhD in Economics and 2-3 years of relevant experience is; or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required but ABD candidates expecting a doctorate in 2023 are encouraged to apply.
- Concentrations in public economics and/or international macroeconomics preferred.
- Passion for using data and economic models to study policy issues.
- Experience using economic models to study how households and businesses change their decisions under a new policy.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Staff positions at the Penn Wharton Budget Model are funded by external gifts and grants. This position is contingent on continued funding and is for a period of three years and renewable at the discretion of the faculty director.

Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Hybrid Eligible - This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a work week divided between working onsite and working remotely.