Economist

Institute for Defense Analyses
Alexandria - United States
S: BOE

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation supporting the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies with applied economics and multi-disciplinary research. IDA researchers support senior defense officials by applying economic theory to issues of National Security policy and resource management. This ranges from applying proven tools to new problems and data, to developing new models, to generating new theory. Recent examples include:

• Development of an econometric model for forecasting the
supply of recruits that highlights risks to Army recruiting
and suggests policy improvements
• Assessments of the $65B/year DoD health care program
that suggest market-oriented reforms;
• Enhancement of parametric models to forecast major
weapon system costs like the Joint Strike Fighter with an
expected total program cost of $233B;
• Development of metrics to measure the success of border-
control initiatives;
• Development of a stochastic model to analyze the ability of
alternative force structures to address an uncertain future;
• Hedonic analysis to correct for quality differences in
calculating price indices for fighter aircraft;
• Examination of how to select a discount rate for calculating
lump-sum payments as part of the military retirement
package.

IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach with physicists, engineers, economists, and other social scientists. Researchers work closely with and are in frequent contact with government sponsors. Consequently, strong communication skills are greatly valued.

Responsibilities

IDA has openings for highly qualified PhD economists to join its growing team, specifically in applied economics (including labor economics, public economics, industrial organization, and mechanism design). We will consider job market candidates preparing to graduate, recent graduates, and mid-career individuals. Applicants must have demonstrated research excellence and a strong interest in applied research. Applicants must have also demonstrated superior skill in quantitative, econometric, statistical, or computational methods. Experience with machine learning techniques and large data sets is a plus.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship is required
• Applicants selected will be subject to a security
investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for
access to classified information.

Interested candidates must follow a 2 step process to apply on-line to BOTH of the following:

1) Apply to the IDA Career Opportunities webpage at https://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INSTITUTEDA&cws=1&rid=605 and upload a resume/CV (with GPA) and cover letter;

AND

2) Apply to the IDA job posting on JOE (https://www.aeaweb.org/joe/listing.php?JOE_ID=2016-02_111456263) and submit a CV, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and your job market paper (abstract and full copy are required).
We plan to recruit at the AEA Annual Meeting in Chicago on January 6–8, 2017. You are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to be considered for interviews there.

Job summary