Economist – Penn Wharton Budget Model

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Economist, Penn Wharton Budget Model

Job Profile Title

Economist

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview
Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM) is a non-partisan, research-based initiative that provides accurate and transparent economic analysis of public policy using innovative micro- and macroeconomic modeling. PWBM’s work is widely cited and has been influential in many key recent policy discussions, including tax reform, budget reconciliation, immigration, college debt, Social Security, health care, infrastructure, federal debt and deficits, and many other areas. The PWBM team consists of roughly 30 Ph.D. economists, policy analysts, research analysts, and software engineers.

PWBM has a staff opening for a new or experienced micro- or macroeconomist with a strong interest in conducting applied research, modeling, and analysis. We seek candidates with a strong interest in public policy and backgrounds in public finance/economics with an interest in taxation or public macroeconomics with a special emphasis or experience in OLG models. PWBM economists apply their training and skills to assess the effects of policy on households and businesses, budgetary outcomes (government revenues and costs) and various economic variables. Staff economists are encouraged to publish their research findings in professional journals. A PhD in economics or statistics is required.

Staff positions at the Penn Wharton Budget Model are funded by external gifts and grants. This position is subject to future continuation of funding sources tied to your position. The position could be terminated if funding sources are discontinued and suitable replacement funding sources, as determined by the faculty director, are not available.

There are two positions available, one with an anticipated two-year term and the other position with an anticipated three-year term. Positions may be subject to renewal at the end of their term subject to the discretion of the faculty director. The positions are contingent upon continued restricted funding.

More information about the existing team and projects can be found here: https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/

Job Description

DUTIES:

• Build models to estimate the effects of policy on households, businesses, budgetary outcomes (government revenues and costs) and various economic variables. In certain applications, design and conduct empirical analyses. 
• Analyze data to test the effectiveness of current policies.
• Work with the team to create, update, extend, and calibrate large scale economic/financial models.
• Generate reports related to public policy in areas such as tax reform, spending programs, federal debt, and immigration.
• Oversee, direct, and train junior research staff.
• Engage with external stakeholders such as federal agencies and lawmakers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD in economics and 2-3 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. ABD candidates expecting a doctorate in 2026 are encouraged to apply. We will also consider candidates with a PhD in statistics with an interest in public policy.
• Concentrations in public finance/economics with interest in taxation, or public macroeconomics with special emphasis or experience in OLG models is preferred. 
• Passion for using data, analytical methods -- such as econometrics and machine learning – and economic models to study policy issues.
• Experience performing econometric research using large and complex dataset or experience using economic models (including OLG models) to study how households and businesses change their decisions under a new policy.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Anticipated starting salary is $126,000 - $170,000. Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

*Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, job market/research paper, and three letters of recommendation. Have letters sent directly to [email protected].

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JEL Classifications

• C – Mathematical and Quantitative Methods
• D – Microeconomics
• E – Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
• H – Public Economics

Keywords:

• Economic Modeling and Policy Analysis
• Public Macroeconomics
• Federal Taxation
• OLG Models
• Public Economics

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$109,000.00 - $170,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours:Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay