Lead Economist (Research Data Specialist III)

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is seeking an experienced Lead Economist to serve as Cal/OSHA’s senior economic expert. In this highly visible role, you’ll conduct innovative economic and statistical research that informs occupational safety regulations, legislative proposals, and statewide policy decisions affecting millions of California workers and employers.

This position offers the opportunity to tackle complex research challenges, develop advanced econometric models, collaborate with executive leadership, and help shape the future of workplace health and safety through evidence-based decision making.

This permanent, full-time position may be based in Oakland or Sacramento and offers a hybrid work environment with partial telework.

As Cal/OSHA’s Lead Health Economist, you’ll serve as the Division’s highest-level scientific and economic expert, leading complex research initiatives that directly support occupational safety and health policy throughout California.

You’ll independently design and conduct sophisticated macroeconomic, econometric, and public health research to evaluate the impacts of workplace safety regulations, legislative proposals, and emerging economic trends. Your work will provide executive leadership with objective, data-driven recommendations used to guide regulatory, legislative, and strategic decisions.

This role offers significant independence and intellectual challenge, requiring innovative thinking, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to solve complex policy questions where established methodologies may not exist., * Lead highly complex economic and scientific research projects.

• Develop macroeconomic, econometric, and simulation models.
• Conduct Standardized Regulatory Impact Analyses (SRIAs) and fiscal impact assessments.
• Evaluate proposed regulations, legislation, and public policy initiatives.
• Analyze large datasets using R, Python, SQL, and other analytical tools.
• Design new research methodologies and analytical frameworks.
• Develop dashboards, technical reports, white papers, and executive presentations.
• Present findings and recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with government agencies, researchers, and academic partners.
• Mentor technical staff and provide leadership on research methodology and economic analysis.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the Research Data Specialist III classification.

Ideal candidates will possess experience in one or more of the following:

• Health Economics
• Labor Economics
• Applied Economics
• Econometrics
• Public Policy Analysis
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Quantitative Research
• Regulatory Impact Analysis
• Forecasting and Simulation Modeling

Preferred technical experience includes:

• R
• Python
• SQL
• Statistical modeling
• Monte Carlo simulation
• IMPLAN, REMI, or similar economic modeling software
• Data visualization and dashboard development

Highly desirable qualifications include:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Public Health, or another quantitative discipline.
• Experience conducting Standardized Regulatory Impact Analyses (SRIAs) or comparable economic impact studies.
• Experience supporting rulemaking, legislative analysis, or public policy development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex analyses for technical and non-technical audiences., This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced economist or quantitative researcher seeking to apply advanced analytical skills to high-impact public policy and make a lasting difference for California’s workers.

The Statement of Qualifications must:

• Be no more than two pages
• Be double-spaced
• Use Arial 11-point font or larger
• Respond to all three questions listed in the official job announcement

Applicants must also possess eligibility through list appointment, transfer, reinstatement, or another qualifying method for the Research Data Specialist III classification.

Locations:

• Sacramento, CA or Oakland, CA

Schedule:

• Full-Time
• Permanent
• Hybrid Telework Available

If headquartered in Sacramento, periodic travel to Cal/OSHA headquarters in Oakland may be required.

Why Join the California Department of Industrial Relations?

At DIR, your research will have a direct impact on the health, safety, and well-being of California’s workforce. You’ll work alongside economists, scientists, public health professionals, and policy experts to solve complex challenges and influence decisions that shape one of the nation’s largest workplace safety programs.

DIR offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• CalPERS retirement pension
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and state holidays
• 401(k), 457(b), and Roth retirement savings plans
• Professional development opportunities
• Public transit subsidy
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful public service