Research Assistant - 2024 Recruiting Cycle
Research Assistant Program
We seek candidates with a diverse array of backgrounds from universities across the country. Our RAs gain real-world
experience by working alongside PhD economists to assist with original economic research and provide critical support for
policy analysis. The Research Assistant position is a two-year program and most RAs leave the role well suited to pursue a graduate degree, often in economics, or a number of different careers at the Board or with other organizations. While at the Board, RAs often become involved in a variety of other projects, including collaboration with various government agencies and Federal Reserve System Banks and participation in efforts to provide economic and financial literacy instruction to local high school students. RAs are encouraged to attend academic research seminars and presentations given by Board economists and visiting scholars.
Responsibilities/Description
Research Assistants use standard statistical techniques and a general knowledge of microeconomic or macroeconomic theory to assist economists in their current reporting, research, modeling, forecasting, database maintenance, and regulatory casework.
- Carries out routine assignments in support of current analysis, research, forecasting, modeling efforts, or regulatory casework, or activities associated with the Federal Reserve's statistical program by using and/or modifying standard statistical and graphics software packages and by developing ad hoc computer programs of moderate complexity.
- Assumes responsibility for the preparation of and verification of data in the section's charts, tables, and other material used in memoranda and briefings to the Board, in the implementation of policy through open market operations, in data books or testimony for Board members, in casework, or in publications such as the Federal Reserve Bulletin.
- Assists economists in monitoring well-defined subject areas or project developments; drafts routine reporting memoranda and analytical memoranda of limited complexity.
- Performs literature searches and summaries.
- Handles routine requests for data or other information from the public, Federal Reserve Banks, or government agencies.
Qualifications - External
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, statistics, math, or a related field with demonstrated economics coursework.
- Knowledge of economic principles, quantitative techniques, and data analysis.
- Statistical software package or programming language experience, such as Stata, R, MatLab, Linux/Unix, VBA, and others.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills, initiative, integrity, and experience working both independently and collaboratively.
Application Instructions/FAQs
- U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
- Note the application instructions, required materials, and relevant deadlines outlined on our RA Careers Page. You will also find answers to several FAQs.