Research Assistant, Economics
Position: 2021 Research Assistant
Location: Boston
The Research Department and the Supervision and Credit Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston are seeking exceptional college graduates who are prepared to take an active role in high-quality economic research and monetary policy making.
The Research Department provides current economic analysis and policy advice to Federal Reserve decision makers and conducts innovative research with the aim of improving our understanding of the U.S. and global economies and encouraging better policy outcomes. The Supervision and Credit Department’s Risk Policy Analysis Unit conducts research and analysis to support the Federal Reserve System in bank supervision, the development and implementation of regulatory policy, and the formulation of monetary policy. The Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston are seeking exceptional college graduates who are prepared to take an active role in high-quality economic research and monetary policy making.
Research Assistants (RAs) typically work for one or two economists, developing a personal relationship with the economists they support and a deeper understanding of their research topics. The economist's fields of interest are wide-ranging and include macroeconomics, international and labor economics, housing, health decisions, behavioral economics, and finance. In addition, the Research Department houses the New England Public Policy Center, which conducts analysis of economic and public policy issues that affect the New England Region.
The position requires a two-year commitment. After their time at the Boston Fed, (RAs) go on to attend prestigious graduate programs in economics, public policy, or other disciplines; take a job in business, finance or law; or stay with the Bank in a variety of positions.
RAs are full time employees of the Bank, are competitively compensated and are eligible for a wide range of benefits including health care and tuition reimbursement.
Citizenship
- Research Assistant positions require U.S. citizenship.
Key Responsibilities
- Review, organize, and analyze economic and financial data.
- Write programs using statistical software such as STATA, MATLAB, R or SAS or Python
- Conduct literature reviews, perform thorough data analysis, and prepare written summaries of results for economists.
- Prepare charts and tables using spreadsheet and graphic software packages.
- Conduct economic research for policy memos and for articles intended for publication in academic journals, Boston Fed publications, and business periodicals.
- Design programs to manipulate data, perform statistical tests, and run regressions. Update and maintain data series regularly used by economists
- Proofread, edit, and fact-check articles and papers.
Education and Experience Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in economics, math, statistics, computer science, international relations, or related field with concentration in economics.
- An excellent academic record.
- Strong analytical, communications, and organization skills.
- Experience with statistical software packages and knowledge of statistics and econometrics.
- Previous economic research experience or involvement in an independent research project is helpful.
Application Information
- Cover letter: Cover letters should be addressed to Randi Cavanaugh, Recruiting Manager. It should describe your reasons for being interested in the position, including how a research assistant position at the Fed is relevant to your career aspirations, as well as particular qualities or skills that make you a good candidate.
- Résumé: Résumés should include all education information, including institutions attended and areas of concentration, overall undergraduate GPA as well as GPA in your major, graduate GPA (if applicable), computer skills, and relevant work experience.
- Writing sample. Your writing sample should be 3-5 pages, preferably on an economic topic and should include technical content. Writing samples might include papers from undergraduate economics classes or a thesis. Excerpts from longer pieces are acceptable.
- Transcript: We accept unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended as part of your application. If you become a finalist for a position, we will ask that you submit an official transcript.
- Recommendation Letters. Two letters of recommendation are required, one from an economics professor. Letter should be emailed to Randi Cavanaugh at RARecruit@bos.frb.org. Please request that they include your name in the subject line of the email.