PRR Project

Summary

The position of Assistant Researcher in the field of Economics and Business, at Católica Lisbon and Católica Lisbon Forecasting Lab (NECEP) involves a diverse set of responsibilities that are integral to tracking and analyzing the short-term behavior of the Portuguese economy. The tasks assigned to the prospective research are crucial for maintaining databases, developing forecasting models, and contributing to producing a quarterly newsletter focused on Portugal´s economic landscape. Below is a detailed description of the tasks and scientific profile required for the position: Tasks: Database Maintenance:Collect, organize, and maintain relevant datasets related to the Portuguese economy.Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity.Update databases regularly to reflect the latest economic indicators and trends. Forecasting Model Development:Assist in the development and refinement of forecasting models for key macroeconomic variables such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, and public finances.Utilize statistical and econometric techniques to improve forecasting accuracy.Conduct thorough analysis to identify factors influencing economic trends and dynamics. Newsletter Production:Contribute to the preparation of a quarterly newsletter on the short-term behavior of the Portuguese economy.Collaborate with team members to gather insights, analyze data, and formulate forecasts.Communicate findings effectively through written reports, charts, and presentations. Thematic Report on Government Budget:Participate in the production of an annual thematic report focusing on the upcoming Government Budget.Conduct in-depth analysis of fiscal policies, revenue projections, expenditure priorities, and their potential impact on the economy.Provide recommendations and insights to policymakers and stakeholders. Scientific Profile Required: Economics Background: The prospective employee should hold a Master´s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field, with a strong academic background in macroeconomic modeling, econometrics, and statistical analysis. Data Management Skills: Proficiency in data collection, organization, and management is essential. Experience with economic databases and statistical software (such as STATA, R, or Python). Forecasting Expertise: A solid understanding of forecasting methodologies and experience in developing forecasting models for macroeconomic indicators. Analytical Skills: The candidate should possess strong analytical skills to interpret economic trends, analyze public finance, and assess the impact of government policies on the economy. Communication Skills: Effective communication skills to contribute to the development of NECEP´s Quarterly Newsletter and thematic reports. This includes the ability to convey complex economic concepts to a non-specialized audience. Rationale:The need to hire a Research Assistant Economist with a specialized scientific profile is essential for the following reasons: Data Management and Analysis: Given the complexity of economic data and the importance of accuracy in forecasting models, dedicated personnel are required to manage databases and ensure data quality. Forecasting Accuracy: Developing reliable forecasting models requires expertise in econometrics and statistical analysis. A skilled analyst can contribute to improving the accuracy of short-term economic forecasts, which is crucial for informed decision-making by policymakers, businesses, and investors. Knowledge Dissemination: Producing a quarterly newsletter and an annual thematic report allows NECEP to disseminate valuable insights and analysis to a wider audience. A competent research assistant can help distill complex economic information into accessible formats for stakeholders. Applied Research: NECEP´s role in tracking the short-term behavior of the Portuguese economy serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and academia. Investing in research talent enables NECEP to maintain its reputation as a leading applied research group in economics.In conclusion, the Assistant Researcher position is vital for the NECEP Forecasting Lab and Católica Lisbon as it directly contributes to the ongoing efforts to track and analyze the short-term behavior of the Portuguese economy. The individual in this role will enhance the institution´s forecasting capabilities, ensuring accurate and timely insights for policymakers, businesses, and the public. Given the dynamic nature of the economy, a dedicated focus on maintaining up-to-date databases and refining forecasting models is crucial for informed decision-making. The candidate´s scientific profile aligns with the specialized needs of NECEP, ensuring a robust and research-driven approach to economic forecasting and analysis.