Research Economist

Summary

The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is seeking a Research Economist to conduct regulatory analysis and lead the Commission's economic analysis in support of rulemaking, policy development, and oversight. The OCE provides expert economic advice to the Commission, with a primary focus on regulatory impact analysis, market impact assessment, and evaluation of regulatory alternatives; to foster market transparency by disseminating its research to market participants and the general public.

Duties

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If selected for this position you will;

• Have responsibility for economic programs which gather, analyze, interpret, and publish the vast array of economic information, or which administer regulation of the commodity futures, associated options, and swaps marketplaces.
• Assume responsibility for economic research of great significance, and difficulty.
• Furnish economic advice and counsel on important Commission programs.
• Spearhead interagency projects or conduct presentations for officials outside the agency on key programs within their area of specialization.
• As a recognized expert in the economic and statistical analysis of futures, swaps, and other derivatives markets, the incumbent is expected to be sought out to serve on panels and to present and review papers at professional meetings and conferences, and to contribute to the literature in the field.
• Conduct complex specialized economic research, self-initiated or as requested by the Chief Economist, regarding the commodity and futures markets utilizing econometric tools.
• Provide expert guidance to the Deputy Chief Economist and Commission staff based on research results.
• Conceive, formulate, and conduct or direct in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies of derivative markets. Such studies require a high degree of originality and creativity in the extension of existing methodology and in the creation of new approaches. The products of such studies provide guidance throughout CFTC in such activities as developing and revising CFTC regulations, assessing the cost and benefits of regulations, evaluating exchange rules, developing trade reporting requirements, and taking legal and regulatory actions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background/Security Investigation
• May be required to serve one-year probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

You will be evaluated based on your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:

Economic Research - Knowledge of economic theory, methodologies, statistical procedures sufficient to design, coordinate and execute difficult and all-encompassing economic analyses which have a critical impact on major financial institutions or national economic interest.

Financial Analysis - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, derivatives pricing, and modeling to direct in-depth qualitative and quantitative studies of derivatives markets.

Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates and produces complex economic and statistical information in a clear and organized manner.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet both the basic requirement and specialized experience for the positions.

Basic Requirement

Applicants must possess one of the following:

A) Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)

-OR

B) Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. (Transcripts MUST be submitted)

In addition to the basic requirements for this position:

To qualify for the CT-15 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-14 level). Specialized experience includes but is not limited to:

• Experience designing, coordinating, and directing quantitative and qualitative studies of financial markets.
• Experience conducting complex economic research and analysis related to the regulation of derivatives markets.
• Experience translating complex economic and data-driven information into clear, policy-relevant, guidance to support senior-level decision-making.

Education

Please refer to the OPM Economist Series 0110 qualifications standard for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position.

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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

Additional information

This position is in the Bargaining Unit.

Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Probationary Period:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• Your performance and conduct;
• The needs and interests of the agency;
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.

The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.

The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.