The Antitrust Division (Division) is seeking highly qualified candidates to serve as economists in its Economic Analysis Group (EAG). EAG is one of the world's leading venues for developing and applying economics to real world questions of competition. The economists hired will conduct analysis that plays a central role in enforcement efforts to protect competition and benefit consumers through low prices, high quality, and innovation.
Summary
The Antitrust Division (Division) is seeking highly qualified candidates to serve as economists in its Economic Analysis Group (EAG). EAG is one of the world's leading venues for developing and applying economics to real world questions of competition. The economists hired will conduct analysis that plays a central role in enforcement efforts to protect competition and benefit consumers through low prices, high quality, and innovation.
As an Economist in EAG, responsibilities will include:
Analyzing the likely effects on competition of horizontal or vertical mergers.
Analyzing the effects of business strategies and practices undertaken by a single firm.
Analyzing the effects of agreements among firms and/or other economic agents.
Analyzing the likely effects on competition and market outcomes of proposed changes in regulation, new regulatory rules, or proposed legislation.
Testing whether a particular economic model is appropriate to a matter and drawing conclusions from theory to support a policy recommendation, often depending on measuring economic quantities and balancing offsetting effects.
Determining useful sources of data and other relevant information to resolve critical issues identified by theoretical framework.
Identifying unresolved theoretical or empirical questions that have broader application to issues in antitrust analysis and competition policy.
Undertaking research aimed at addressing unresolved theoretical or empirical questions in the interest of advancing, understanding, and facilitating future analysis.
Conceiving and planning pioneering work of outstanding scope, difficulty, and complexity in unexplored or previously unpromising areas of investigation.
Developing oral or written presentations to deliver to colleagues at the Division and other competition agencies.
Preparing economic reports and guiding other economists in the preparation of papers and manuscripts for publication related to the results of economic studies.
You must be a U.S. Citizen to be considered for this position.
You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
You may be required to take and successfully clear a drug test.
You must submit a complete application package by the closing date (cut-off dates) of this announcement.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
All male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service (see http://www.sss.gov/). If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
This is a full-time, permanent appointment in the competitive service, eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit.
This is a non-supervisory appointment, subject to a one-year probationary period in accordance with 5 CFR 315.801.
The Antitrust Division participates in the E-Verify program.
When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
Qualifications
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS OPEN CONTINUOUS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:
This is an open continuous vacancy announcement that will be used to fill vacancies as they occur.
To receive consideration for vacancies, applicants must submit complete applications prior to the established cut-off date(s). An initial cut-off will take place on August 26, 2022 to begin initial applicant consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will be considered, if needed. Additional cut-off dates will occur on the following dates:
September 26, 2022;
October 25, 2022;
November 25, 2022;
December 27, 2022;
January 25, 2023;
February 27, 2023;
March 27, 2023;
April 25, 2023;
May 25, 2023;
June 26, 2023; and
July 25, 2023.
Candidates who submit a complete application by 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on the cut off dates, will be reviewed and referred if found eligible and qualified for the position.
This announcement will remain open until the closing date indicated; however, those who apply after the cut-off date will be considered for referral to the hiring manager only if additional vacancies occur and/or the initial referral list is exhausted.
Cutoff dates and the closing date of this announcement may be adjusted as needed, and any updates will be reflected on this announcement.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (by cut-off dates) of this announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate ALL qualifications listed below:
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS: Applicants must meet the requirements specified in paragraphs 1 or 2 below.
A degree in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus; OR
A combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: In addition to meeting the basic education requirements, applicants must also meet the following conditions:
To qualify for the GS-14 level, candidates must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS- 13 level. Examples of qualifying specialized experience at this level include:
Analyzing strategic behavior in multi-firm markets;
Identifying optimal choices for a firm based on its competitive environment;
Identifying and estimating relevant demand elasticities;
Identifying and evaluating the effects of regulations or similar constraints on the profit-maximizing strategies of firms; and
Identifying the significance of specific factors affecting a firm's entry to or exit from a market, such as network effects, market structure, or exclusionary practices.
To qualify for the GS-15 level, candidates must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS- 14 level. Examples of specialized experience at this level include:
Managing all or part of a team performing economic or econometric analysis, with responsibility for the content of that analysis;
Conducting and presenting independent research or policy analysis at an academic or policy institution;
Determining the reliability of econometric evidence based on appropriateness and limitations of data or methodology used and the viability of the underlying economic model given other evidence; and
Weighing an econometric analysis against a rebuttal presented by another economist, and determining what factors explain the differences in results of competing economic analysis.
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.
*In order to be considered for this position, you MUST submit a copy of your most recent transcript. Applicants using any education to qualify MUST submit copies of college transcripts or a list of college courses taken that identify for each course the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received. An unofficial transcript is acceptable to qualify, however, it must include your full name. If selected, you may be asked to submit an official transcript prior to appointment.
Additional information
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category (80 or higher) using established category rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category (80 or higher) using established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position will be filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority for Economists. Veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to positions filled under this vacancy announcement. All applicants who meet the basic educational requirements and minimum qualification requirements of this position will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit http://www.opm.gov/employ/direct_hire/index.asp.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:
Cover Letter (optional).
Résumé - Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume and cover letter. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences, as represented in their résumé, clearly show possession of the knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the competencies and technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Your Transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted, however, if selected, an official transcript must be provided).
RESUME REQUIREMENTS: ALL APPLICANTS: you must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire. The federal government has very specific resume requirements. If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorialvideo on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQ on the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you must contact us by noon Eastern Daylight Time on the announcement's closing date. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Personnel Section. Please contact the Personnel Section by phone at 202-514-2469 or by email at ATR.personnel@usdoj.gov to obtain an alternative application.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for disability during any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Karen Jung by phone at 202-514-8885 or by email at Karen.Jung@usdoj.gov. The Antitrust Division provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. You must contact us by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the announcement's closing date to request accommodation. Federal Relay Service (TTY) for callers with hearing or speech impairment is also available at 1-800-877-8339 or at https://www.federalrelay.us/tty/. Ms. Jung is not the point of contact for questions about the vacancy announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EDT) on 07/25/2023 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.Note: Applications mailed using government postage and/or internal Federal Government mail systems will not be accepted.
Antitrust Division
450 5th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Upon receipt of your complete application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications based on the application we receive. As this position will be filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority for Economists, there will be no application of veterans preference or ranking and rating of your application.
Applicants who meet the basic education and minimum qualification requirements of this position will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and final selection consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:
Cover Letter (optional).
Résumé - Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume and cover letter. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences, as represented in their résumé, clearly show possession of the knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the competencies and technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Your Transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted, however, if selected, an official transcript must be provided).
RESUME REQUIREMENTS: ALL APPLICANTS: you must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire. The federal government has very specific resume requirements. If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorialvideo on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQ on the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you must contact us by noon Eastern Daylight Time on the announcement's closing date. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Personnel Section. Please contact the Personnel Section by phone at 202-514-2469 or by email at ATR.personnel@usdoj.gov to obtain an alternative application.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for disability during any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Karen Jung by phone at 202-514-8885 or by email at Karen.Jung@usdoj.gov. The Antitrust Division provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. You must contact us by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the announcement's closing date to request accommodation. Federal Relay Service (TTY) for callers with hearing or speech impairment is also available at 1-800-877-8339 or at https://www.federalrelay.us/tty/. Ms. Jung is not the point of contact for questions about the vacancy announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EDT) on 07/25/2023 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.Note: Applications mailed using government postage and/or internal Federal Government mail systems will not be accepted.
Antitrust Division
450 5th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Upon receipt of your complete application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications based on the application we receive. As this position will be filled through OPM's Direct Hire Authority for Economists, there will be no application of veterans preference or ranking and rating of your application.
Applicants who meet the basic education and minimum qualification requirements of this position will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and final selection consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
