Economist

Summary

Plays a dual role in the Research Department, combining software development expertise with applied economic data analysis. Leads the design, development, and maintenance of interactive data visualizations and web-based survey applications while also contributing to research on retirement and the fund industry. Works closely with research staff, subject matter experts, and other ICI departments to translate complex findings into accessible, publishable digital products and to ensure the reliability and security of internal survey infrastructure. Reports to the Assistant Director of Investor Research and Surveys and collaborates with research leadership on technology strategy and research priorities.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Survey Application Development and Maintenance

• Develops, maintains, and upgrades the web-based survey tools used by the Research Department for in-house data collections, including reviewing and deploying code to the production environment.
• Builds reporting features within the survey platform so that internal stakeholders can generate reports independently.
• Creates and maintains technical documentation for survey applications and related systems.
• Coordinates with IT and external vendors on hosting, security, and infrastructure requirements for survey platforms.
  
  

Data Visualization and Web Development

• Designs, develops, and maintains interactive data visualizations and animations for publication on ICI platforms, working in collaboration with research authors and Strategic Communications.
• Translates research findings into publishable visual outputs at multiple technical levels for distinct audiences, including researchers, policymakers, journalists, and the general public.
• Maintains and extends the software stack and front-end applications used for ICI's interactive web content, ensuring code quality, documentation, and adherence to ICI style guidelines.
• Evaluates and recommends new visualization technologies and frameworks to advance ICI's digital research presence.
  
  

Economic Data Analysis and Research Support

• Works with large, complex datasets relating to proprietary and public household surveys, and record kept retirement savings data, contributing to ICI research publications, comment letters, and blog posts.
• Contributes to academic-style research papers posted on SSRN and submitted to peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate.
• Develops reproducible data pipelines, analyses, and tooling that improve the efficiency and reliability of the department's research workflows.
  
  

Minimum Job Requirements

Experience and Skills

• 7 years of professional experience in software development, with demonstrated ability to build, deploy, and maintain production applications.
• Strong proficiency in one or more modern programming languages (e.g., C#, Java, Python, or similar). Familiarity with web development frameworks and front-end technologies preferred; experience with data visualization libraries (e.g., D3.js, Plotly, or similar) a plus.
• Substantial experience working with economic, financial, or survey data in a professional or research setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large, complex datasets and to develop reproducible data pipelines and analyses.
• Familiarity with database management, version control (Git), and modern development workflows (CI/CD, code review, testing).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and collaborate effectively with economists and subject matter experts.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple concurrent projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience mentoring junior developers or analysts preferred.
  
  

Education

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, or a related technical field required. Advanced degree in a quantitative field (business, economics, statistics, public policy, or similar) required.
• Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will be considered; demonstrated expertise and a strong portfolio of work may substitute for formal credentials.
  
  

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of the mutual fund industry, retirement systems, or household finance a plus but not required.
• Intellectual curiosity about economic and policy questions and a willingness to engage with research content beyond pure development tasks.