Applied Economics Researcher

Applied Economics & Decision Science Researcher

Project Description:

The position will collaborate with NIST researchers and NIST’s external collaborators in a variety of topics relevant to their work, including social scientists, engineers, and scientists – connecting economics to fundamental research, multi-disciplinary analysis, and decision support tools related to activities across a range of research topic areas, building and infrastructure, circular economy, resilience, and decision science. 

The position is in the Applied Economics Office (AEO), a part of the Engineering Laboratory (EL) at NIST, provides economic products and services through research and consulting to industry and government agencies in support of productivity enhancement, economic growth, and international competitiveness, with a focus on improving the life-cycle quality and economy of constructed facilities and manufacturing processes that support social and economic functions. The AEO is integrated within EL’s major research thrusts: energy conservation, community resilience planning, manufacturing, fire, smart grid, building construction, and safety. The AEO delivers high-quality research and tool development that informs and assists stakeholders in their decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Analyzing data
• Reviewing relevant literature 
• Assist in designing data collection instruments
• Writing reports and research articles 
• Assist in publishing within refereed journals and technical research series
• Communicating research at professional conferences

Desired Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizen Preferred
• Master’s in economics, Social Science, Psychology, Policy, or related field. 
• Background in econometrics or statistics and at least two of the following areas: 
  • Applied microeconomics
  • Decision-science or behavioral-science
  • Environmental economics
  • Environmental studies 
  • Geography 
  • Non-market valuation
  • Policy
  • Psychology
  • Regional studies or planning
  • Regional Economics 
  • Risk and uncertainty 
  • Social Science
  • Sociology
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Logical thinking and problem-solving
• Patience and attention to detail
• Excellent writing and communication skills

Other Details:

• Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
• Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus and remotely.
• Duration: this is expected to be a one-year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.