The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) has an immediate opening for an economist. Preferred areas of research include labor economics or public economics, but a wide range of specialties will be considered. All candidates, however, must do research that is highly relevant to federal policy debates. We will consider candidates at all levels of experience, with the salary reflecting the experience of the successful candidate.

Two core responsibilities for this position will be monitoring the health of public sector labor markets and providing technical assistance to our policy and government affairs team.  Beyond these core responsibilities, the economist will have space to carve out their own research agenda so long as it intersects with EPI’s mission and policy commitments. The economist will review research, analyze data, and evaluate policy proposals to identify how policymakers can most effectively address high levels of U.S. inequality and boost incomes and living standards for workers and their families. The economist will produce original work and data analysis as well as contribute to group research efforts and will provide technical assistance and support to EPI partners and policymakers. The ideal candidate is technically proficient, deeply familiar with the literature across at least two areas of economic and policy debates relevant to EPI’s mission and committed to progressive economic change. Excellent organizational abilities and written and oral communication skills are required.

 

About EPI

EPI is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that researches the impact of economic trends and policies on typical families in the United States. Our mission is centering the policy debate on the economic interests of low and middle-income workers, their households, and their communities. EPI is a key institution in the movement for economic justice in the United States and is widely recognized as a source of authoritative analysis on economic trends, with a particular focus on inequality and the labor market.

EPI believes that having a diverse and inclusive workplace strengthens the institute’s work and is essential for understanding, evaluating, and creating economic policies that support all working people. EPI is an equal opportunity, fair chance, affirmative action employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

This position is based in Washington, D.C. EPI is currently working a hybrid schedule with two days a week in-office. We are committed to monitoring the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and making temporary changes to work location if public health conditions warrant.

 

What You Will Do

• Monitor the state of health of public sector labor markets, tracking wage and employment trends.
• Provide technical assistance to our policy and government affairs team.
• Produce reports, fact sheets, op-eds, blog posts, resource packets, and other documents on a wide range of economic issues and policies, but with particular focus on the impact that federal economic policies have on working people.
• Collect and analyze data to describe the impact of public policies on working families and the economy.
• Produce custom statistics and data sets for EPI partners and the media when it furthers EPI’s mission.
• Review and contribute to EPI reports and products.
• Serve as a key EPI spokesperson on your issue areas.
• Engage in public debates, policy advocacy, and public education through conference presentations, briefings, expert testimony, and responding to media inquiries.

 

Who You Are

We do not expect that every candidate will have this full range of experiences, but the following qualities and experience are highly desirable:

• A PhD or equivalent in economics, public policy, sociology, or another quantitative social science.
• A strong statistics competency and understanding of econometric techniques.
• Training and experience with analysis of microdata, including the use of statistical software such as Stata or R.
• Demonstrated deep familiarity with the extant research literature across a range of economic areas.
• Familiarity with high-profile federal policy debates.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to create materials for a wide range of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and coordinate with colleagues.
• Ability to represent the organization at meetings and events, as well as with the media and in testimony before government bodies.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently, but also able to collaborate and work as part of a team and with diverse partners.

 

Salary and Benefits

• EPI is a unionized workplace with the National Professional Employees Union (NPEU). This position is in the bargaining unit and reports to the Research Director.
• Salaries for economists at EPI are competitive. They range from $111,295 for a freshly-minted PhD to $162,947 for a senior economist with 16 or more years of experience.
• EPI offers an excellent benefits package, including generous paid time off, as well as retirement contributions of 9.25%, medical, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.

 

To Apply 

Candidates should send a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience and explaining their interest in working at EPI, resume, and writing sample to epijobs@epi.org with “Economist” in the subject line.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

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