The Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA) provides sophisticated analysis that integrates economic, financial, and legal disciplines. The Division’s responsibilities cover three broad areas: risk and economic analysis; strategic research; and financial innovation. Its responsibilities include providing economic analyses of proposed Commission actions and providing expertise in analytical approaches and methods in support of the Commission’s enforcement and examinations program. In its “think tank” and other roles, DERA is involved across the entire range of SEC activities, including policy-making, rule-making, enforcement, examination, and other matters.

Interested candidates should have a research and policy interest in one of the following areas: market microstructure, derivative securities, clearance and settlement, credit ratings, registered funds such as mutual funds and ETFs, hedge funds and other private funds, municipal securities, corporate governance, securities offerings, financial accounting and disclosure, econometrics, asset pricing, financial markets and systemic risk, game theory, auction theory, industrial organization, and/or an interest in litigation economics.

Financial Economist Positions in DERA include:

  • Financial Economist
    Financial Economists in DERA generally have a Ph.D. and a demonstrated research record/program in the field of economics, finance, or accounting. Staff Financial Economists provide economic guidance and research expertise to a broad range of activities, including rulemakings, enforcement actions, market risk assessments, and other regulatory initiatives. Opportunities exist within DERA to focus on work in specific policy areas, risk assessment and modeling, or litigation support. In all roles, candidates must demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of applied economics or econometrics in support of the Agency’s mission to protect investors, facilitate capital formation, and ensure fair and orderly markets.

    Staff Economists may be hired on a permanent, full-time appointment or on a fellow appointment, which are temporary assignments usually with an initial term of two years that may be extended up to four years at the agency’s discretion.

To apply for the Financial Economic Fellow positions, please submit an application at:
WWW.USAJOBS.GOV/DERA_FELLOW or search the USAJobs website for the following announcement number: 20-FW-10650966-DERA

  • Visiting Scholar
    A Visiting Scholar is typically a research-active faculty member at a university or research-oriented institution who is detailed to the Government for a period of one to two years. The visiting scholar remains employed by his/her institution, and the institution is reimbursed for salary and benefits through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) contract. The individual must have a Ph.D. in finance, accounting, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a similar quantitative field, and must demonstrate evidence of a strong research background in the area of economics, finance, or accounting. Candidates must have the ability to apply academic research and empirical methods in support of Commission actions and regulatory programs and are expected to engage in independent research directed at top-tier professional journals. Visiting scholars are often selected based on the alignment of their research program and interests with matters of current interest to the SEC, and they are expected to perform work commensurate of a Financial Economist.

To apply for the Visiting Scholar positions, please submit an application at:
https://www.ssrn.com/index.cfm/en/janda/job/?id=6271

All vacancy announcements for the permanent, term, and visiting scholar positions are listed on the Social Sciences Research Network (SSRN) and the Job Openings for Economists (JOE) Network and require submission of application materials through the USAJobs website. Interested candidates should carefully read the qualification requirements and application procedures outlined in each announcement. The closing date for these vacancy announcements is January 27, 2020. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Please note: We will be interviewing well qualified candidates for the above opportunities at the 2020 American Finance Association (AFA) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, January 3-5, 2020. For interview consideration at the AFA, please apply by December 5, 2020. Applications received after this date will be reviewed after the AFA meeting.