Economist
Job Title: Economist
Location: Remote
Organization: Burning Glass Institute
About Us
The Burning Glass Institute (BGI) is a leading data laboratory and labor market research center dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and mobility for all. We conduct data-driven research to uncover dynamics in labor markets, worker mobility, and firm-level practices. Our research is designed to influence policy, inform business decisions, and spark public debate.
Overview
We are seeking a data-driven and intellectually curious Economist to join our research team. This role involves leading and executing research on U.S. labor market and education trends, worker mobility, talent development, and firm behavior. The Economist will take ownership of research projects—designing methodologies, analyzing large-scale datasets, and developing insights that influence labor market and education policy and practice.
This is a data-intensive role. You’ll work with cutting-edge datasets, including millions of job postings and worker job histories, as well as official labor market data from sources like the BLS and Census. You’ll also contribute to public-facing reports and advisory work with partners in government, industry, and philanthropy.
The position reports to the Chief Economist and offers substantial scope for thought leadership and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Research Design & Execution: Lead and manage complex research projects from ideation through execution, including methodology development, statistical modeling, and result interpretation. Exercise independent judgment in shaping research questions and proposing new approaches. Take ownership of core research streams. Thrive in a dynamic research environment by meeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality results.
Methodology & Data Analysis: Develop novel empirical strategies to answer pressing labor market questions; refine techniques to analyze worker and employer behavior. Conduct robust quantitative analysis using R and/or Python, SQL, and econometric/statistical methods. Work with large, structured datasets in cloud-based environments.
Insight Generation & Market Knowledge: Translate empirical findings into actionable insights for a non-technical audience, through presentations, reports, briefs, and data visualizations. Monitor current economic research and labor market trends to contextualize project findings and insights. Generate new research ideas aligned with our mission and evolving data landscape.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work closely with the Chief Economist, internal research team, project managers, and external collaborators in a remote, team-oriented environment.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in economics, quantitative social science, data science, or a similarly quantitative field.
Extensive experience with econometric analysis, data wrangling, and working with large datasets.
Strong proficiency in R or Python and SQL, with familiarity in cloud-based data environments such as Snowflake.
Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research projects.
Experience interpreting and visualizing data for non-technical audiences.
Familiarity with public-use datasets such as those from the Census Bureau, BLS, or similar institutions.
Demonstrated interest in labor market dynamics, economic policy, and workforce development.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in economics or a related quantitative social science field, or 3+ years of relevant work experience.
Background in applied microeconomics, labor economics, personnel economics, education or econometrics.
Familiarity with machine learning or natural language processing techniques, particularly as applied to labor market or text-based datasets.
Previous experience in applied research environments such as think tanks, policy institutes, research consultancies, international organizations, or academia.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest in labor market research and relevant experience. All applications should be sent via email to research.hiring@burningglassinstitute.org. We look forward to learning more about how your skills and interests align with the work of the Burning Glass Institute.