Applying Economics to Defense Policy Making

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation supporting the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies with applied economics and multi-disciplinary research.

IDA researchers support senior defense officials by applying economic theory to issues on National Security policy and resource management. This ranges from applying proven tools to new problems and data, to developing new models, to generating new theory. Recent examples include: the development of an econometric model for forecasting the supply of military recruits; assessments of the DoD health care incentives, a $65B/year program; development and enhancement of parametric models to forecast major weapon system costs like the Joint Strike Fighter with an expected total program cost of $233B; an assessment of the variation in Department of Veterans Affairs benefits across states; development of a stochastic model to analyze the ability of alternative force structures to address an uncertain future; hedonic analysis to correct for quality differences in calculating price indices for fighter aircraft; evaluation of alternative policies for meeting the demand for strategic materials that might be hard to get in wartime.

IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach with physicists, engineers, and other social scientists. Researchers work closely with and are in frequent contact with government sponsors. Consequently, strong communications skills will be greatly valued.

We are looking for applicants in all JEL classification categories. Recent PhD graduates and those in mid-career with PhD will be considered. Applicants must have demonstrated superior skill in quantitative, econometric, statistical, or computational methods. Prospective applicants should also possess a strong interest in applied research.

US Citizenship is required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Interested candidates must apply on-line to BOTH:

1) Register and apply on-line at https://jobs-ida.icims.com/jobs/2079/phd-economist/job and upload a resume (with GPA) and cover letter.

AND

2) Apply to the IDA job posting on https://econjobmarket.org/ and submit a CV, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and your job market paper (abstract and full copy are required).

We plan to be recruiting at the AEA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia in January 2014. You are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to be considered for interviews at the AEA Annual Meeting.