Summary
FTC economists make independent policy recommendations to the Commission based on their theoretical and empirical analysis of relevant issues. Research by FTC economists is supported and encouraged, in part through the Bureau's working paper series, seminar series, and annual FTC Microeconomics Conference. FTC economists regularly present their work at seminars/conferences, and publish in top journals. Economists in all fields of applied microeconomics and econometrics are encouraged to apply.
Duties
As an Economist at the Federal Trade Commission you will perform the following duties: Apply statistical, mathematical, and econometric techniques to the analysis of data to empirically analyze economic theories and test hypotheses in support of policy recommendations. Provide analysis and interpretation of economic and related information collected from companies to support policy and program decision-making. Identify and collect the appropriate data needed to analyze the validity of competing economic theories. Conduct investigations, reviews, and studies that apply a thorough knowledge of microeconomic theory to study the behavior of individual consumers, firms, and industries in order to analyze how markets establish relative prices among goods and services and thereby allocate limited resources among alternative uses. Analyze the likely effects on consumers and firm competition of mergers, agreements between firms, and individual firm business practices. Prepare economic impact assessments under the laws that govern federal rulemaking to ensure adequate considerations of the costs and benefits of proposed rules. Develop oral and written products, tailored to the needs of the audience, in support of recommendations involving issues such as the economic aspects of new or proposed investigations, policies, or rules affecting FTC programs. Undertake research aimed at addressing unresolved theoretical or empirical questions in topics related to competition, consumer protection, and general understanding of consumer and firm behavior. Draft, present, and defend positions for policy, enforcement decisions, and education of other competition and consumer protection agencies. Lead teams of economists and statisticians conducting complex economic analysis; provide technical guidance and oversight; and ensure the quality and relevance of analytical work in support of enforcement, policy, or regulatory initiatives.
Education
THIS POSITION HAS AN EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
How you will be evaluated
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume or application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume or application must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume or application contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level. If you meet the minimum qualification requirements, you will be referred to the selecting official. If your resume does not support the specialized experience, your final rating may be modified and you may be removed from consideration. The Human Resources Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating. Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.