Economic Analyst – General equilibrium modeller

The mission of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is to provide independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society. The JRC is located in 5 Member States (Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). Further information is available at https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/index_en

The current vacancy is in the Fiscal Policy Analysis Unit of Directorate B for Fair and Sustainable Economy.  The mission of Directorate B is to provide first-class analysis and data to support the EU’s aim for today’s and tomorrow’s Europeans to enjoy fair and sustainable prosperity. It takes a systemic view of the relationships between economic activities, the environmental impacts of human activities and the societal needs of the EU’s citizens. Directorate B develops and carries out economic analysis and supports policy making with its unique analytical and modelling tools. It boosts EU innovation-driven competitiveness in the global context, turning territorial diversity and urban-rural interactions into value. It drives European markets, industry and services, including construction and the built environment, towards environmental sustainability.

The Unit “Fiscal Policy Analysis” provides modelling support and research in the area of taxation and social benefits. Its aim is to contribute to evidence-based fiscal policies that enable the attainment of the social, economic and environmental objectives of the EU. To fulfil its mission, the Unit maintains, updates and develops state-of-the art tools for the analyses of fiscal policies of the EU and its Member States, and, using those analytical tools, provides evidence for policy making in the area of taxation and social protection in the EU, in alignment with the European Commission priorities.

What the job entails

The main purpose of this job is to contribute to the development of a quantitative overlapping generations model with strong micro-foundations. The new colleague will also provide modelling support to key policy questions related to pension reforms in the EU, fiscal policy, demographic change and inequalities.

The successful candidate’s main tasks will include:

•    contribute to the development of analytical tools for economic analysis, mainly in the area of quantitative macroeconomics, using general equilibrium models accounting for household heterogeneity;
•    use databases and modelling tools for quantitative analysis of policy-relevant issues in the context of pension reforms, fiscal policy and demographic changes, and with the purpose of supporting policy debates in the EU;
•    draft reports and publications in collaboration with colleagues and external experts;
•    prepare policy briefs and presentations to summarise the conclusions for non-technical audiences;
•    develop new lines of work, notably, but not only, in relation to the links between fiscal policy, pension reforms, household inequality, and demographic change;
•    represent the JRC in discussions with other services, as well as at seminars, conferences and vis-à-vis stakeholders like academics or other international institutions.

What we offer

The job environment is dynamic and multicultural, with highly-qualified teams of experienced economic modellers and analysts in several areas of tax and social policies and developing/using different tools for the analysis of fiscal policies. The JRC encourages interactions with policy makers, academics and other leading stakeholders active in the field, including participation in (international) conferences and workshops.

What we are looking for

The candidates must have a PhD (doctoral diploma) in economics or, alternatively, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience after university studies of at least 3 years (attested by a diploma). As English is the main working language of the unit, the candidate must have a very good level and be able to speak, read and write in this language.

Moreover, the ideal candidate should also have:
-    a professional background in macroeconomics, with a strong foundation in quantitative methods;
-    experience in developing and solving quantitative macroeconomic models with heterogeneous agents and using state-of-the-art numerical techniques;
-    specific experience in pension analysis using overlapping generations, demographic and distributional aspects is welcome, as well as a track record of research and publications.
Additional assets of the sought candidate:
-    a solid background in the analysis of microdata to calibrate and discipline quantitative macroeconomic models;
-    excellent knowledge and experience in programming languages for numerical analysis (e.g. Python or similar);
-    experience in working with survey and other microeconomic data;
-    ability to formulate clear policy conclusions based on solid analytical work and proven ability to draft;
-    good interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with teams and integrate ideas from diverse sources.

Indicative duration and salary

36-months initial contract with possible renewals up to maximum 6 years. Salary will be calculated according to the Staff regulation conditions for Contract Agent Function Group IV. The approximate basic gross monthly salary varies from 4.319,72 - 6.256,88 € (applicable as of 1st of July 2024). For more detailed information please consult: Working Conditions

Rules & Eligibility
If you are already on a valid CAST FG IV reserve list, or you have already applied to one of the calls below, you can directly submit your application at https://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/vacancies
If not, before applying to this position, you must register for one of the two following:
•    the Call for Expressions of Interest | EU Careers (europa.eu) (CAST Permanent FG IV), which is used by a wide range of organisations (institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union), or
•    the specialised call for researchers (JRC Call COM/1/2015/GFIV – Research), which is mainly used by the JRC.

Note that each of the calls above has different minimum eligibility requirements and different selection tests.

Due to the high number of applications usually received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The JRC cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment, and embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.

APPLICATION and full details on the open call are available at:
https://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/vacancy/1897

Deadline: 30/06/2025 
Position reference: 2025-JRC.B.2-SVQ-FGIV-001897