Senior Research Economist

Senior Research Economist

Department: Department of the Treasury

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $151661 - $228000 Per Year

Job Summary: Serves as a Senior Research Economist in the Office of Tax Analysis (OTA), reporting to the Director of the Office of Tax Analysis. Provides authoritative leadership on Federal tax policy and economic analysis, directing high-impact studies that inform Administration priorities. Advises senior officials, represents OTA in interagency forums, and addresses complex, precedent-setting issues shaping the development and implementation of Federal tax policy.

Major Duties:

• 1. Directs: Analyzes, evaluates the need for, and initiates, plans, and develops a wide range of special economic and econometric studies under tight deadlines. These studies consider complex interrelationships of economic variables and generally involve micro-simulation modeling, econometric analysis, and/or general equilibrium modeling to better understand behavioral responses to changes in tax policy. These studies form the basis for Special Analyses prepared by OTA and required for Federal tax regulations. Collaborates with the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax Analysis), the OTA Director, division directors, and attorneys in the Office of Tax Policy and IRS to implement Administration tax policies. Reviews Special Analyses for publication with Federal tax regulations. 2. Estimates: Plans and coordinates the estimation of economic effects, compliance costs, and revenue impacts of Federal tax regulations, often under tight deadlines, for publication as Special Analyses. Provides briefings and reports to the Assistant Secretary (Tax Policy), OTA leadership, Treasury offices, and other Federal agencies, including the Council of Economic Advisers and OIRA. Furnishes authoritative economic, statistical, and technical information and provides clear, non-technical explanations to support policy decisions. Advises on factors such as tax rates, transition relief, and the reliability of estimates. 3. Methodology: Develops and advances analytical and estimating methodologies, directing research to improve approaches and accuracy. Oversees testing, refinement, and development of models, data sets, and procedures to assess the economic effects of tax regulations. Establishes workflows to deliver timely, authoritative analyses and ensures methods align with Administration priorities, available resources, and advancements in analytical techniques. 4. Advice: Stays current on developments in economics, public finance, and tax policy through research and professional engagement. Provides expert advice to Office of Tax Policy leadership and staff to enhance methodologies and assumptions underlying economic, compliance, and revenue estimates. Participates in conferences and supports recruitment of economists and related professionals through application review and interviews. 5. Liaison: Supports Treasury leadership in engagements with Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) by providing technical expertise on tax regulation analyses. Advises senior officials on the basis and implications of economic estimates and responds to interagency inquiries with authoritative analysis. Represents the Department in interagency forums to coordinate Federal tax policy initiatives affecting multiple agencies.

Qualifications: ALL QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. To qualify for the position of Senior Research Economist, you must meet the following requirements: EDUCATION: Possess either (a) a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in economics which includes at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting or calculus; or Possess (b) a combination of education and experiences courses equivalent to a major in economics as shown in (a) plus appropriate experience or additional education. RESUME: Applicants must submit a resume not to exceed two pages that clearly demonstrates the Technical Qualifications (TQs) associated with the position. The resume must reflect substantive evidence of senior-level experience, accomplishments, and expertise aligned to the TQs. Failure to demonstrate these qualifications within the prescribed two-page limit will result in a determination of ineligibility and removal from further consideration. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Applicants must demonstrate the Technical Qualifications (TQs) for this position within a resume not to exceed two pages. The TQs assess senior-level experience directly related to the requirements of the position. The resume must clearly reflect demonstrated accomplishments and progressively responsible, senior-level experience aligned to the TQs listed below. TQ 1 - Expert knowledge of economic and statistical studies that form the basis for analyses required for Federal tax regulations. TQ 2 - Expert knowledge of estimation of economic effects, compliance costs and revenue effects of Federal tax regulations. TQ 3 - Demonstrated senior-level experience coordinating complex, multi-stakeholder processes related to tax policy or regulatory development, including collaboration with IRS, RAAS, Counsel, OMB, and senior leadership, with responsibility for managing timelines and ensuring alignment with policy and program objectives. Please DO NOT submit separate narrative statements addressing the TQs.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. 1. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. 2. Follow the prompts to select your resume to be included with your application package. Your uploaded resume may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. 3. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. 4. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-30