Research Software Developer Job Description The role of the Research Software Developer is focused on software development for purposes of modeling tax policy and the economy. With a background in economics and public policy, the role will assist with the development and use of our Taxes and Growth model (TAG), as well as our other technical projects. (TAG is a general equilibrium model used to simulate the effects of tax policies on the economy and on government revenues and budgets.) Key Responsibilities Oversee continuous development and usage of Python APIs in TAG: maintain quality of codebase, train economists/developers, review code Assist economists in troubleshooting their model runs / various technical needs Design and implement well-tested data pipelines Become an expert on the TAG model and work with economists to add tax-policy modeling functionality Maintain and improve continuous-integration-continuous-delivery (CICD) pipelines such as Travis Conduct performance analysis and enact optimizations Manage other technical projects as needed by the Federal Policy team. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, or other quantitative disciplines 1+ years in Python and solid knowledge of the standard library Experience collaborating with data-driven teams Experience with: Data science libraries like pandas and numpy Version control (git) and bash scripting Additional experience and skills, a plus: Experience researching and writing about public policy Experience working with and analyzing large datasets, e.g., from BEA and IRS Experience building large-scale models Experience with tax revenue estimation Software skills such as CICD (Travis, GitHub actions, etc.), Cloud technologies (AWS), Docker, Pipenv, Flask, React Why Work at Tax Foundation? At the Tax Foundation, you can educate the public, elevate public discourse, and improve public policy, all while having fun! In addition, Tax Foundation offers a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include HSA-based health coverage with employer contributions, a 401(k) retirement plan with a 100 percent match on the first 5 percent, and we cover 100 percent of the premiums for dental and vision coverage and life/AD&D/LTD insurance. We offer 12 paid holidays and 15 vacation days per year and generous sick leave, plus our office is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We also offer casual and early-release Fridays as well as a work-from-home option on Mondays and Fridays for employees in the D.C. area. To Apply Salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 annually depending on experience. Interested applicants should submit their cover letter and resume at the link below. The position is open until filled. The Tax Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V Submit Applications Here Highlights of Our Benefits HSA-based health coverage with employer contributions 401(k) retirement plan with 100% match on first 5% 100% of the premiums for dental and vision coverage and life/AD&D/LTD insurance 12 paid holidays and 15 vacation days per year and generous sick leave Office is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day annually Early-release Fridays all year round Work-from-home option Mondays and Fridays for employees in the D.C. headquarters area. Who We Are We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank founded in 1937 and located steps from the White House in Washington, D.C. We regularly work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to help fix problems in national and state tax codes and by focusing on effective policies instead of politics, we have curated a reputation as one of the most effective policy think tanks in the nation. What We Do We use our research and analysis to bring tax changes to the national spotlight, foster competition among the states, and advise policymakers on how to improve their tax systems. Our work is cited in over 20,000 news articles each year, including the largest national outlets and the papers of record in all 50 states. We produce over 70 major publications every year and our website is viewed over 1.5 million times per month. “Working at Tax Foundation has helped me to grow personally, professionally, and intellectually, while contributing to work that I truly believe in. I am incredibly happy to have landed here and look forward to continuing to be a part of Tax Foundation’s growth and success.” – Zoe Callaway, Manager of Education and Outreach The Tax Foundation is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. As part of this commitment, the Tax Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
