Economist, Macro & Economic Insights

Plaid • San Francisco, CA

13d • $190,800 - $262,800

About The Position

Plaid’s Economics Team uses economic research and data science to deepen its understanding of economic, credit, and financial trends. The team combines rigorous empirical analysis with clear communication to inform decisions across and beyond Plaid.

The Economist conducts applied economic research, develops reliable analytical methods, and turns complex findings into clear, useful insights. Working with economists and data scientists, the role owns research projects from question framing and data preparation through validation and written communication. It is a hands-on position for an economist who enjoys working with large datasets, exercising sound judgment, and explaining evidence and limitations to a range of audiences. The role offers opportunities to develop a research specialty and take on broader ownership as the team grows.

Requirements

• PhD in economics or a related empirical field, or a master’s degree plus at least 4 years of relevant applied experience, with strong empirical training. Exceptional candidates completing a PhD in 2027 are welcome.
• Relevant research experience in areas such as applied macroeconomics, household or behavioral finance, fintech, or financial regulation.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Experience independently analyzing large, complex datasets and building reproducible analytical workflows.
• Strong econometric and time-series modeling skills, including applying these methods to economic questions and assessing robustness.
• Excellent writing for non-academic audiences, demonstrated through policy memos, market commentary, or research briefs.
• Ability to explain and defend methods, findings, and limitations to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Sound research judgment, including distinguishing evidence from interpretation, communicating uncertainty, and limiting claims to what the data supports.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting applied economic research in fintech, finance, a research institute, or a public-sector organization.
• Prior ownership of a recurring research publication.

Responsibilities

• Investigate economic questions and trends through rigorous empirical research, from framing the question through analysis, validation, and communication.
• Work with large, complex datasets to develop reliable measures and reproducible analytical workflows.
• Evaluate findings against established research and public benchmarks; assess data quality and representativeness; and communicate uncertainty and limitations clearly.
• Apply econometric and time-series methods to test hypotheses, assess robustness, and distinguish meaningful patterns from noise.
• Write clear research briefs and present findings to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Partner with colleagues across research, data science, and the business to identify useful questions and inform decisions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k).
• Additional compensation in the form of equity and/or commission, depending on the position offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level