Financial Economist

SEC; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy seeks a Financial Economist to join a team with strong empirical research skills and diverse methodologies. The role focuses on investor behavior, decision-making, and producing applied research to support policy.

Collaboration with internal and external groups is essential, and candidates should be able to manage multiple projects and communicate findings effectively.

Qualifications

• Must have degree in economics with sufficient coursework as specified.
• Experience in economic analysis, modeling, and statistics.
• Ability to conduct economic research and report results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical research using diverse methodologies.
• Investigate investor behavior and decision-making.
• Produce applied research to inform SEC policy and regulation.
• Collaborate with scientists and other groups on complex projects.

Skills

Economic Analysis

Economic Modeling

Statistical Expertise

Teamwork & Collaboration

Education

Degree in Economics with 21 econ hours and 3 stats/calculus

Job description

OIAD is seeking a Financial Economist. As a Financial Economist, you will be part of a team that has a track record of strong empirical research abilities using a variety of methodologies (including primary data collection), and excellent communication skills. The position requires interest in investor behavior and decision-making, desire to produce applied research that informs policy, as well as the ability to collaborate within scientific research teams and with other groups of individuals. Applicants are responsible for confirming all required materials are submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

• A. Applicants must possess a degree in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
• B. An appropriate combination of education and experience----courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Examples of qualifying experience include individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation; supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or teaching assignments in a college or university in economic subjects in combination with one of the following: (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.

--OR--

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT

SK-14: Applicant must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/SK-13 level that includes any of the following:

• 1. Economic analysis in support of rulemaking involving federal securities laws;
• 2. Economic analysis of investor behavior, such as participation in capital markets or responses to investment advice;
• 3. Economic research of problems that investors have with financial products or service providers.

ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD COMPETENCIES

• Competency 1: Economic Analysis - Evaluates economic effects of financial actions related to a rule, conduct in the marketplace, and/or risks in the market.
• Competency 2: Economic Modeling- Applies economic theory to make predictions and develop hypotheses.
• Competency 3: Statistical Expertise - Performs and interprets data analysis.
• Competency 4: Teamwork and Collaboration - Interacts with internal and external others in a manner that advances agency goals and objectives.