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Assistant Analyst - Multiple Positions

Congressional Budget Office
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The Congressional Budget Office—a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic, policy, and budget analysis to the Congress—is seeking assistant analysts to work in various divisions. Specific duties vary by division, but most assistant analysts provide research assistance, conduct statistical analyses and literature reviews, help maintain databases, and perform quality assurance reviews.

Qualifications

For most of the positions, a strong academic background in economics, mathematics, statistics, finance, computer science, policy analysis, or a related field with economics coursework is required. For assistant analysts working in the National Security Division, such a background in a wider array of fields is welcome—in addition to those listed above, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, genetics, linguistics, any other physical or natural science, or any other quantitative field. For assistant analysts working in the Office of General Counsel, a background in political science, legal studies, law, criminal justice, or a related is required.

The position also requires the following:

·       A bachelor’s degree by June 2025;

·       Strong quantitative skills;

·       Attention to detail and strong written and oral communication skills;

·       Perseverance, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a desire to work on issues of current interest to the Congress; and

·       Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office products. (Proficiency with at least one statistical software package or programming language—such as Python, Stata, R, EViews, or SAS—is required for some positions.)

This is an entry-level position limited to three years. The position is ideal for those seeking substantive work experience before pursuing postgraduate study in economics, public policy, law, or other analytical fields. People who have or are completing a master’s degree are not eligible.

Divisions Seeking Analysts

Here are details about the available openings:

·       The Budget Analysis Division develops projections of federal spending and estimates the budgetary impact of proposed legislation. Assistant analysts work both independently and collaboratively and often within short time frames, obtaining data to address policy questions and preparing analyses to meet the needs of Congressional committees. The division’s Finance, Housing, and Education Cost Estimates Unit is seeking an assistant analyst to support the unit in preparing multiyear budget projections and cost estimates for legislative proposals related to education, housing, commerce and banking, community and regional development, and the administration of justice. The Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit is seeking the same for legislative proposals related to natural resources and the environment, transportation, science, energy, technology, and general government activities. The Public and Private Mandates Unit is seeking an assistant analyst to prepare analyses and estimates of the effects of federal legislation on the budgets of state, local, and tribal governments; businesses; and individuals.

·       The Health Analysis Division produces reports on aspects of Medicare and Medicaid policy, subsidies provided through health insurance exchanges, and other health policy issues. The division also plays a key role when the Congress is considering changes to health care programs, by analyzing the proposed changes and estimating their cost. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to the economists and public policy analysts in the division. Typical work products include statistical analyses, programming support, literature reviews, and quality assurance reviews.

·       The Labor, Income Security, and Long-Term Analysis Division analyzes a range of federal programs and policies, including Social Security and programs related to education and income security. The division is also responsible for CBO’s long-term budget projections and the agency’s long-term microsimulation model. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to the economists in the division. Typical work products include statistical analyses, programming support, literature reviews, and quality assurance reviews.

·       The Macroeconomic Analysis Division analyzes current economic conditions, develops CBO’s economic forecast, and analyzes the economic effects of fiscal policy. Assistant analysts prepare materials for CBO’s publications, maintain the division’s models and databases, and assist with data collection and economic analysis for the division’s projects.

·       The Microeconomic Studies Division analyzes a broad range of topics, including policies related to energy, climate, regulation and transportation and infrastructure programs. Assistant analysts provide a variety of valuable research assistance and support to projects in the division, such as performing quantitative analysis, literature review, and writing.

·       The National Security Division analyzes policy and budget issues related to national security, veterans’ affairs, and homeland security. Working with small teams of analysts, the assistant analyst will help with a range of tasks, including collecting and analyzing data, developing data visualizations, and writing. The assistant analyst will also interact with others in legislative and executive branch agencies and at research institutions. The position is an opportunity to gain experience in national security policy and budget issues in a research-intensive environment and to improve modeling, programming, analytical, and writing skills.

·       The Office of the General Counsel provides a variety of legal support services in a collaborative, fast-paced, and complex environment.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary is $63,000. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, a résumé, a brief writing sample, an unofficial copy of your academic transcript, and contact information for three references online at www.cbo.gov/careers. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until December 2, 2024, or until the positions are filled. The positions are covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.