Economist PhD — Lead Economist & Client Partner

Laurits R. Christensen Associates, Inc.; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP ownership

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life/AD&D

401(k)

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Casual dress code

Private offices

Underground parking

Flexible schedules

Comp time

Job summary

Christensen Associates is seeking a full-time, PhD-trained Economist to join our team of economic analysts in Madison, Wisconsin. The role involves developing econometric analyses, working with sizeable databases, and collaborating with clients and staff to deliver high-quality insights.

The position requires strong analytical skills, experience with econometrics, and the ability to manage projects and mentor colleagues. This is a non-remote, on-site opportunity based in our Madison office.

Qualifications

• PhD in economics or closely related field.
• 7+ years of experience with client development and econometric analysis.
• Experience with large data sets including data cleaning and visualization.
• Proficient in Stata, R, SAS, or Python; Excel proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and/or support projects of varying size and complexity.
• Develop quantitative and/or econometric analyses and find creative solutions to complex problems.
• Collect and analyze data and use findings in models, analyses, or communications.
• Write and review reports or assist others in doing so.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and manage/mentor team members.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients to bring in new projects.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Verbal and written communication

Client development

Team leadership

Education

PhD in economics

Tools

Stata

R

SAS

Python

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Christensen Associates is looking for a full-time, PhD trained, Economist to join our team of economic analysts who tackle complex, real-world issues. We have three distinct economic practice areas – US Postal Service, Energy and Litigation. Our projects are firmly grounded in microeconomic theory, and we maintain high scientific standards. Our work involves considerable interaction with clients and among members of our staff. Our projects frequently involve model development and analysis of large databases.

Candidates must be willing and able to work at our Madison, Wisconsin office. This is not a remote position.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer. We are unable to sponsor individuals for a work visa or other employment authorization at time of hire or in the future (e.g., F-1 visa, STEM OPT extension, H-1B, green card).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and/or support projects of varying size and complexity.
• Develop quantitative and/or econometric analyses and find creative solutions to complex problems.
• Collect and analyze data. Use the data/information in models, analysis, or communications (e.g., presentations, memos, reports, conference calls, or testimony) as projects require.
• Write and review reports or assist others in doing so.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and manage/mentor team members.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients for purposes of bringing in new projects.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of economic based experience that includes client development, project management, quantitative and/or econometric analysis, working with large data sets (e.g., data cleaning, visualization, aggregation, etc.), and performing industry research.
• Advanced knowledge of software used for statistical analysis and data manipulation (e.g., Stata, R, SAS, or Python). Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Intermediate-to-advanced knowledge of data analysis concepts & techniques and economic/statistical modeling.
• Analytically and technically minded with the aptitude, ability, and interest in solving complex problems and learning new things.
• Strong business acumen, verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and rigorous attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team in a deadline-driven environment while handling multiple competing priorities.
• Able to work occasional nights and weekends to meet client deadlines.

Why you should join our team:

• Meaningful work – You’llwork alongside highly experienced experts to solve complex, real‑world problems using creativity, scientific rigor, and deep institutional knowledge.Our small teams and our flat organizational structure allow us to prioritize quick, direct contact with clients, allowing you to build relationships, understand client needs, and see the results of your work in real time.
• Our ESOP sets us apart – Working at an employee-owned company meansyou’remore than just an employee, you’rean owner. Through the ESOP, you build real equity over time at no out-of-pocket cost, turning your everyday work into long-term financial growth. As the company succeeds, so do you. ESOPs also foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and shared purpose, because everyone has a stake in the outcome. The result is a more transparent, motivating, and rewarding place to grow your career while building meaningful wealth for the future.
• Total rewards package – We offer health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, long-term disability, a 401(k), and a generous ESOP contribution that grows as we grow. You’ll also receive paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time. We offer minimal travel, a casual dress code, private offices, and amenities like underground parking. Flexible schedules and comp time for hours over 40 support a healthy balance between work and life.

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying on through the website. Then, please email post-graduate transcripts and a writing sample (Job Market Paper or Dissertation) to Abby Schenker, HR Manager ( [e-mail] ).