Research Associate 2027 - Washington, DC

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; Western Downs Regional; On-site; AUD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Health benefits

Pension and 401(k) with match

Flexible work environment

Job summary

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond is seeking a Research Associate to support economists with academic research using Census restricted data. The role requires on-site work at a RDC in Washington, DC, with Richmond-based RAs and occasional travel to Richmond for on-site engagements.

This is a 24-month, full-time program starting in June 2027. RAs receive direct mentorship, attend seminars, and join RA-led study groups within a friendly, academically oriented environment that fosters growth and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics or related field; GPA 3.5+
• Econometrics training is required; advanced math coursework valued
• Proficiency with Python, Stata, or R for data analysis
• Strong written and oral communication; ability to work independently

Responsibilities

• Analyze large panel data and write code to solve dynamic economic models
• Conduct literature reviews and assist with model derivations
• Interact with Census data at a Federal Statistical Research Data Center and travel as needed

Skills

Economics coursework

Statistics (Econometrics)

Mathematics (Calc I–II)

Linear Algebra

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Python

Stata

R

Job description

Company

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

When you join the Federal Reserve—the nation's central bank—you’ll play a key role, collaborating with leading tech professionals to strengthen and protect our economic, financial and payments systems. We invest in contemporary and emerging technology each year to support the Federal Reserve and our economy, and we’re building a dynamic and diverse team for our future.

Bring your passion and expertise, and we’ll provide the opportunities that will challenge you and propel your growth—along with a wide range of benefits and perks that support your health, wealth, and life. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes tuition assistance, generous paid time off, top-notch health care benefits, child and family care leave, professional development opportunities, a 401(k) match, pension, and more. All brought together in a flexible work environment where you can truly find balance.

About The Opportunity

The Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond is looking for a highly motivated recent graduate to assist economists with academic research full-time for 24 months starting in June of 2027. The research will specifically use Census restricted data that must be accessed in person at a Federal Statistical Research Data Center (RDC) location in Washington, DC. The research associate (RA) will interact virtually with the Research department’s cohort of RAs, who will be located in Richmond. The RDC RA will interact regularly on site in DC with the Richmond economists using the Census data, and one other Richmond Fed RA working at the Census. RDC RAs are expected to travel to Richmond for onsite engagements as part of the department’s core meeting weeks, which occur 8 times per year (travel and lodging expenses will be reimbursed).

In addition to the DC-based position, the Richmond Fed is also looking to hire several RAs based in Richmond, VA, to assist our economists in our main location; you can find more information and apply in this link here.

We are looking for candidates from a range of backgrounds, with different interests, and perspectives. During the two years they spend in the Department, RAs receive direct mentorship from Research economists and a multitude of opportunities to learn through economist and RA interactions and projects. RAs also regularly attend seminars and lectures and give presentations in RA-led study groups. We provide a friendly and academically oriented environment where RAs can learn, grow and develop their own skills and interests, while contributing to our policy and research projects.

What You Will Do

You will support economists working at the Census with their academic research; their areas of focus fall within Labor and Industrial Organization. Responsibilities include analyzing large panel data, writing computer code to solve dynamic economic models, conducting literature reviews, and helping with model derivations. Working at the Census requires strong coding skills due to limited availability of online help and requires independence and willingness to work regularly in a temporary computer station with different and few researchers around each day. The position is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics, and in particular for those with an interest in working with big data.

Visit us online for more information about the Research Department and the RA program.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and extensive coursework in economics (preferred), statistics (Econometrics required), and mathematics Calc I and II (required), Calc III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations or Real Analysis and similar advanced courses highly valued. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Experience with computer programming and statistical analysis software packages (such as Python, Stata and R) is highly valued. Experience with parallelization or longitudinal data is a plus. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. A high level of integrity and critical decision making while working independently is needed for this position. Evidence of interest and experience in research in the form of previous work as a research assistant, or completion of a senior thesis or term paper, is a plus.

Discover the Reason Why So Many People Love It Here!

When you join the Richmond Fed, not only will you find a challenging and purposeful career, you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits and perks that support your health and wealth, including:

• Great medical benefits
• Pension and 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid volunteer leave
• Onsite amenities that make working here fun!

Other Requirements and Considerations

• Candidates should review the Bank’s Employee Code of Conduct to ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest rules and personal investment restrictions.
• If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please notify [e-mail].
• Peraton Moderate: Sponsorship is not available for this role. The selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility for this specific position requires U.S. Citizenship or three or more years of Permanent Resident (Green Card) status.
• The salary for this role is $67,000 annually.
• Salary offered will be based on the job responsibilities and the individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience as defined in the job qualifications.
• Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channel

Full Time / Part Time

Full time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Job Exempt (Yes / No)

No

Job Category

Economics/Research Family Group

Work Shift

First (United States of America)

The Federal Reserve Banks are committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants in compliance with applicable law and to an environment where employees are valued for their differences.

Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers (https://rb.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FRS) or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channels.

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