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 using innovative micro- and macroeconomic modeling. PWBM’s work is widely cited and has been influential in many key recent policy discussions, including tax reform, budget reconciliation, immigration, college debt, Social Security, health care, infrastructure, federal debt and deficits, and many other areas. The PWBM team consists of roughly 30 Ph.D. economists, policy analysts, research analysts, and software engineers.

PWBM has a staff opening for a new or experienced micro- or macroeconomist with a strong interest in conducting applied research, modeling, and analysis. We seek candidates with a strong interest in public policy and backgrounds in public finance/economics with an interest in taxation or public macroeconomics with a special emphasis or experience in OLG models. PWBM economists apply their training and skills to assess the effects of policy on households and businesses, budgetary outcomes (government revenues and costs) and various economic variables. Staff economists are encouraged to publish their research findings in professional journals. A PhD in economics or statistics is required.

Staff positions at the Penn Wharton Budget Model are funded by external gifts and grants. This position is subject to future continuation of funding sources tied to your position. The position could be terminated if funding sources are discontinued and suitable replacement funding sources, as determined by the faculty director, are not available. This position is subject to renewal every three years at the discretion of the faculty director.

More information about the existing team and projects can be found here: https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/

Duties:
• Build models to estimate the effects of policy on households, businesses, budgetary outcomes (government revenues and costs) and various economic variables. In certain applications, design and conduct empirical analyses.
• 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 public policy in areas such as tax reform, spending programs, federal debt, and immigration.
• 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; or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. ABD candidates expecting a doctorate in 2026 are encouraged to apply. We will also consider candidates with a PhD in statistics with an interest in public policy.
• Concentrations in public finance/economics with interest in taxation, or public macroeconomics with special emphasis or experience in OLG models is preferred.
• Passion for using data, analytical methods -- such as econometrics and machine learning – and economic models to study policy issues.
• Experience performing econometric research using large and complex dataset or experience using economic models (including OLG 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.

Anticipated starting salary is $126,000 - $170,000. Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

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

Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

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.