Job Opportunities

The Budget Analysis Division seeks an analyst for its Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit.

The Budget Analysis Division prepares multiyear budget projections and cost estimates for pending legislation. The analyst will estimate costs for a variety of legislative proposals affecting foreign aid and international relations. Estimates may address the costs of providing assistance to developing nations for such purposes as improving public health training and infrastructure, treatment and elimination of diseases such as HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis, debt relief, conservation of natural resources such as tropical forests and coastal reefs, support for emerging market economies, and disaster and famine relief. Estimates also may address costs of proposals dealing with topics such as nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, sanctions against terrorist nations, and military aid. The Congress relies on such analyses to prepare its annual budget plan, evaluate the President’s proposed budget, and measure the potential budgetary impact of legislative proposals.

Individual CBO analysts have wide-ranging responsibilities and often play a significant role in the legislative and budget process. This work requires extensive contact with agency officials, key Congressional staff, and other CBO analysts.

Qualifications: Applicants must have at least a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, economics, or a related field with a strong analytical background. Solid quantitative skills and resourcefulness in investigating unfamiliar issues are imperative. Effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical material to nonspecialists, are also required. Experience with policy analysis and knowledge of international programs is preferred. The position requires U.S. citizenship; the incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Microeconomic Studies Division is seeking an analyst to work as a part of its Private Sector Mandates Unit. The primary responsibility of mandate analysts is to prepare estimates of the effects of federal legislation on the private sector. A required part of the legislative process, the results of these analyses are reported directly to the Congress for consideration during its deliberations, as well as made available publicly. This is an opportunity to be involved in carrying out CBO's responsibilities under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

The Microeconomic Studies Division is responsible for researching and analyzing the economic effects of governmental policies and regulations on the private sector. Analytical areas include agriculture, commerce, energy and natural resources, the environment, federal personnel, intellectual property, public investment in infrastructure and science, telecommunications, transportation, and trade. Analysts in the Private-Sector Mandates Unit prepare statements on the impact of legislation in those areas and monitor and evaluate bills as they move through the legislative process. Analysts may also participate in studies on current policy issues.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field; or equivalent experience. The position requires a person who has the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and complete projects under tight deadlines. The candidate should have a strong quantitative orientation with an ability to gather suitable data to address policy questions. The position also requires a person who can work well as a part of a team. Candidates should have the ability to clearly present their work orally and in writing. Training or experience in industry or regulatory analysis, or experience with the legislative process, is desirable but not required.

In addition, candidates should have the ability to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals, be adept at using spreadsheets, and database software, and desire to work on issues of current interest to the Congress.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Short Writing Sample

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. CBO seeks an experienced contract specialist with good organizational skills and a strong work ethic to assume responsibility for the full range of professional and technical duties concerning the acquisition of materials, equipment, supplies and services, and related assignments. The selected candidate will work closely with agency staff to effectively and efficiently meet CBO’s needs for acquired goods and services, to develop new supply sources, and to negotiate effectively with vendors to obtain the best possible price and service guarantee.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in purchasing or contracting for a private firm or federal agency. The ideal candidate will have keen business judgment, experience managing best value competitions and negotiating contract terms, pricing, service, and delivery based on budget and schedule requirements, as well as a commitment to customer service. Excellent word processing/spreadsheet and analytical/problem-solving skills, demonstrated writing ability, good organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task within strict deadlines are required. The ideal candidate will be familiar with acquisition policies and procedures generally applicable to federal agencies. Also, familiarity with Momentum Acquisitions software by CGI Federal is a plus. Successful completion of a Public Trust background investigation is required.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Contact Information for Three References

The National Security Division has an opening for a defense analyst.

The National Security Division prepares analyses of defense policies and programs to support the work of Congressional Committees. The division’s staff is responsible for all the steps needed to carry out that task: gathering relevant information from DoD and other sources; analyzing that information and preparing reports, testimony, and briefings to communicate their findings.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of performing technical or economic analyses of complex issues regarding choices in national security policy. He or she will have developed expertise in one or more areas of the defense program and should be familiar with those DoD and military service offices responsible for the formulation of policy and management of programs in those areas.

Candidates must have a strong quantitative background, an interest in policy analysis, and the ability to write clearly for a non-technical audience. An advanced degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, or economics is required. Successful candidates will be able to quickly learn about new programs and, working independently, design and execute quantitative analyses. This position requires U.S. citizenship; the incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Health Cost Estimates Unit in the Budget Analysis Division seeks an analyst to focus on legislation affecting Medicare, Medicaid, and the Public Health Service.

CBO’s health analysts work closely with key Congressional staff on the development of federal health care policy. To that end, members of the health unit prepare spending projections for federal civilian health programs, analyze the Administration’s budget proposals, and prepare cost estimates for legislation being considered by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Legislation may encompass a wide range of initiatives affecting the financing or delivery of health care services, including proposals to modify Medicare benefits, finance long-term care initiatives, expand health insurance coverage, extend patents for drugs, and set standards of care for health plans.

The Congress relies on such analyses to prepare its annual budget plan, evaluate the President's budgetary proposals, and measure the potential budgetary impact of policy proposals. Individual CBO analysts have wide-ranging responsibilities, which may include preparation of testimony for Congressional committees, and often play a significant role in the legislative and budget process.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a graduate degree in economics, public policy, public administration, public health, or a related field. The position requires a person with strong skills in quantitative methods, an interest and/or experience in health policy, and:

• The aptitude to develop and maintain simulation models for analysis of health policies;

• The ability to clearly explain and defend analytic results orally and in writing to colleagues, Congressional staff, Members of Congress, and the public;

• The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, frequently under tight deadlines; and

• The desire to make a visible and direct contribution to the development of health policy in a nonpartisan setting. Experience in policy analysis, knowledge of health care financing issues, and familiarity with Medicare or other federal health programs is desired.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division is seeking health economists and health policy analysts.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, income security, education, and employment. The division is actively increasing the scope of its efforts in health policy. Topics span a range of areas from the large, federally sponsored health programs to the operation and regulation of the private health insurance market. Projects addressing the high level and growth rate of healthcare costs are especially relevant. Studies currently underway include analyses of options for increasing the number of people with health insurance coverage, the extent and causes of geographical variation in health care spending, the potential impact of health information technology on system performance and cost, and the likely effects of comparative effectiveness research on the practice of medicine and health care spending. Other health policy studies are examining the market for pharmaceuticals, analyzing the potential impacts of consumer-driven health plans, and exploring the underlying causes of rising health care costs.

The successful candidate will contribute to the full range of the division's responsibilities. Those include preparing longer term CBO studies and shorter term memoranda and testimonies, performing detailed analyses of proposed legislation, and assessing the impact on the private sector of a variety of legislative initiatives.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong quantitative background, excellent writing skills, and a desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Applicants should also have a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline; applicants with master’s degrees and substantial health-related experience may be considered. Several years of experience in health policy are preferred but not required.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking an economist with a background in macroeconomics, labor economics, and/or health.

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division advises the Congress about the macroeconomic effects of federal fiscal policy. It analyzes the possible economic effects of the President’s proposals each year, and regularly reports on current economic issues. Looking forward, we anticipate a significant increase in demand for analysis of health care proposals, and the successful candidate would play a major role in helping to analyze the macroeconomic effects of those proposals. The position requires writing CBO studies for Members of Congress and their staffs, as well as carrying out original research. CBO staff regularly publish similar research in professional journals.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent and have demonstrated excellence in carrying out original research in macroeconomics, labor markets, and/or health. Because the position involves working at the intersection of those three fields, the successful candidates must be comfortable working in at least two of the three. The position will involve considerable writing for lay audiences, so the ability to communicate technical material in a clear manner is essential. A deep interest in contributing to the policy debate and the ability to work well in a fluid policy environment are also necessary.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a small nonpartisan agency that provides independent, objective economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking several macroeconomists with fields in public finance, labor economics, environmental economics, housing, and/or econometrics.

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division advises the Congress about the macroeconomic effects of federal fiscal policy, analyzes emerging developments in financial markets and the economy, and prepares CBO’s semi-annual economic forecast. In the coming year, the division anticipates carrying out macroeconomic analysis on a wide range of policies--from climate policy to health reform--and providing Congressional decisionmakers with advice on developments in financial markets, housing, and the general state of the economy. The position involves writing CBO studies of similar issues, drafting testimonies, and carrying out original economic research. CBO staff regularly publish the results of their research in professional journals.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent. Economists who have a broad range of policy interests are encouraged to apply. Special consideration will be given to candidates who have strong econometric skills, experience building and using stochastic dynamic equilibrium models, and familiarity with micro data. Excellent interpersonal, writing, and quantitative skills, and the ability to communicate technical material in a clear manner are essential. Successful candidates will be able to work independently, and complete work in a timely manner. CBO has strict citizenship requirements; non-citizens should visit the CBO website, www.cbo.gov/employment/citizen.shtml, to determine eligibility before applying.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division is seeking a senior labor economist with an interest in analyzing a broad range of policies and programs affecting employment and income security.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, employment, income security, and education. Recently-completed projects in the employment and income security areas include analyses of changes in low-wage labor markets during the past two decades, the role of immigrants in the U.S. labor market, participation in means-tested programs, and a comparison of the anti-poverty effectiveness of expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and increasing the federal minimum wage rate. Projects currently underway include analyses of long-term unemployment, the volatility of earnings and family income, changes in the level and sources of income of families with children, and analyses of various proposals for assisting displaced workers. The successful candidate will contribute to the full range of the division's responsibilities, including the development and implementation of major research projects of use to the Congress. Products include longer-term CBO studies, shorter-term memoranda and testimonies, and detailed analyses of proposed legislation.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline and a proven record of accomplishment. They also should have a strong quantitative background, the ability to clearly present their work orally and in writing to non-technical audiences, and a desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Successful candidates will be able to work both independently and as the senior member of a team.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample