Research Economist

About the role

The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) is seeking Research Economists 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.

What you will do

• If selected for this position you will; Formulate and conduct economic research and expert analyses for the CFTC as it relates to the Commission's policy development.
• Provide expert advice on matters considered by the Commission and the operating divisions.
• Serve as a consultant and advisor to senior Commission policymakers on policy issues and proposed legislation.
• Examine the impact of proposed policies on the structure and performance of futures, options, swaps, and other derivative markets.
• Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the function, utilization, or regulation of derivatives markets.
• The products of such studies provide guidance throughout the CFTC in such activities as developing and revising regulations, evaluating exchange rules, developing trade reporting requirements, and taking regulatory actions.
• Conduct research on the history of derivatives markets and their regulation.
• Study the historical performance of futures and swaps contracts, with the objective of increasing the Commission's understanding of which contract features contribute to a contract's commercial success or failure.
• Analyze the economic costs and benefits of proposed regulatory actions on the futures and swaps markets, cash commodity markets, and the U.S. economy, based on the result of analysis and research and development of proposed regulatory policies for consideration by CFTC.
• Analyze the structure of the various futures, swaps, and other derivatives markets and the composition and nature of market participation.
• Identify and define the nature and scope of issues and problems; gather, develop, weigh and/or validate data; balance a wide variety of requirements and concerns such as financial, historical, technical, political, public interest and broad direct and indirect impacts; develop and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various alternatives; prepare documents, present findings and conclusions; recommend and advise on policies and strategies in assigned areas and identifies areas where additional study and analysis is needed.
• Educate other staff members and the public on the economics of futures, derivatives, and cash markets.
• This may involve teaching classes for CFTC employees or preparing brochures and documents for the Office of Public Affairs.

Requirements

• Economic Research - Knowledge of and experience researching financial and economic theories, microeconomics principles, and advanced statistical and quantitative techniques which are used to formulate quantitative and qualitative assessments.
• Financial Analysis - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of financial analysis, forecasting, derivatives pricing, and modeling to interpret quantitative and qualitative data; includes evaluating key financial indicators, trends, and historical data.
• Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates and produces complex economic and statistical information in a clear and organized manner.

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 ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

This vacancy is being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Direct Hire Authority for Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply and all applicants who meet the specialized experience will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration.

This vacancy requires a job-related assessment tool, Work Sample Tests (Writing Sample), to be submitted with your application. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) will independently review your resume and writing sample to assess how well your experience demonstrates the required competencies for this position listed in the "Requirements" section of this announcement.

Veteran's Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Documents you must provide

• You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes: Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max); Writing Sample; Performance appraisal (optional); Transcripts (an unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy with the date the degree was awarded is required prior to firm offer letter being extended) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.
• If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.
• To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria.
• You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority.
• Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: *** Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP).
• Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.
• If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.
• To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria.
• You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application.
• Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: ***
• CTAP/ICTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1.
• A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2.
• A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3.
• A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4.
• A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.

What to expect next

For information on what each Application Status means, visit: *** Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement.

Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

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.