Economic Analyst – Tax Modelling

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides 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 top-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 economic, social and environmental objectives of the EU. To fulfil its mission, the Unit maintains, updates and develops state-of-the art tools, and provides evidence for policy making in the area of taxation and social protection in alignment with the European Commission priorities.

The main purpose of this job is to carry out research and provide policy analysis in the area of taxation, with a particular focus on consumption taxes, including the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion. The role involves developing, maintaining and applying the unit’s economic models and methods to assess the impacts of tax policy reforms (in particular VAT and other consumption taxes), as well as tax fraud and tax evasion.

What the job entails

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the unit’s economic modelling approaches and to the management, analysis and interpretation of relevant datasets to support evidence-based policymaking in the area of consumption taxation. The job involves providing analytical support to EU policymaking by developing/applying the unit´s tax models, and by analysing relevant data in order to inform European strategies and policy design. The work will cover key policy areas, including in relation to consumption taxes, the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion.

The main tasks include:

•    scientific and policy-oriented research on the economic and fiscal impacts of tax systems and reforms, including tax revenues and distributional effects.
•    development and application of micro-modelling tools (including microsimulation and econometrics).
•    manage and exploit large micro-data (including administrative datasets) to analyse consumption tax systems, including the tax treatment of cross-border transactions.
•    analyse and synthesise results, translating technical findings into policy-relevant outputs and providing scientific and technical support to the EU policy-making process.

What we offer

The job is based in a dynamic and multicultural environment, within highly qualified teams of experienced economic modellers and analysts working across several areas of tax and social policy and developing and applying a wide range of analytical tools. The JRC actively encourages interaction with policy makers, academics and other leading stakeholders in the field, including participation in national and international conferences, workshops and expert meetings.

What we are looking for

The candidates must have an academic/professional background in economic analysis. In particular, candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in quantitative economic analysis, including the application of economic modelling techniques and quantitative data analysis.

Additional assets of the sought candidate:
•    Solid background in one or several of the following fields: economic analysis of taxation, direct and indirect tax policies, and micro-level data management and analysis.
•    A track record of research and publications in the area of tax policy. 
•    Ability to formulate clear policy conclusions based on solid analytical work and proven ability to draft
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with teams and integrate ideas from diverse sources.
As English is the main working language, the candidate should have a very good level and be able to speak, read and write in this language.

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 4.449,31 - 6.444,59 € (applicable as of 1st of July 2025). 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/3068

Deadline: 30/08/2026 
Position reference: 2026-JRC.B.2-SVQ-FGIV-003067