Research Associate

Federal Reserve System; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 59,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City invites applications for the Research Associate position within the Economic Research Department. This two-year RA program, beginning Summer 2027, offers hands-on collaboration with PhD economists on policy briefs, research projects, and data-driven analyses.

RAs develop programming and empirical research skills in a high-performance computing environment and may advance to PhD programs; strong foundation in economics and quantitative methods is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics or closely related field.
• Econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and computer science coursework desirable.
• Proficiency in programming and statistical software packages such as Stata, R, Python, or Matlab.

Responsibilities

• Working with PhD economists on policy briefings and academic research projects.
• Gathering and analyzing data, programming economic models, and creating charts for presentations on economic and financial conditions.
• Participating in econometric or theoretical research, writing for Bank publications, and delivering speeches to civic and educational groups

Skills

Data analysis

Empirical research

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in economics or related field

Tools

Stata

R

Python

Matlab

Job description

Company

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

When you join the Federal Reserve—the nation’s central bank—you’ll play a key role, collaborating with leading 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.

The Economic Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is recruiting for the position of Research Associate (RA). The Department conducts innovative analysis and research on a variety of topics, including macroeconomics, monetary policy, international trade, applied microeconomics, labor economics, fiscal policy, energy economics, regional economics, and payments. The Department has openings for RAs to start summer 2027. The program generally runs for two years with the opportunity to extend, if applicable.

This is an excellent position for someone who is passionate about research and considering a PhD in economics. RAs develop analytical and communication skills as well as technical skills, such as programming and working in a high-performance computing environment. RAs have gone on to PhD programs at Boston College, Columbia University, New York University, Stanford University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, University of Texas at Austin, University of Rochester, and Georgetown University.

Key Activities

• Working with PhD economists on policy briefings and academic research projects.

• Gathering and analyzing data, programming economic models, and creating charts for presentations on economic and financial conditions.

• Participating in econometric or theoretical research, writing for Bank publications, and delivering speeches to civic and educational groups

Required Education and Skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics or a closely related field such as statistics, mathematics, or computer science.

• Coursework or experience in economics required; coursework or experience in econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and computer science highly desirable.

• Proficiency in programming languages and statistical software packages such as Stata, R, Python, or Matlab highly desirable.

• Strong academic record and experience with empirical research and data analysis highly desirable.

For more information on the Economic Research Department and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, please visit us on the web at www.kansascityfed.org. For information on RA openings throughout the Federal Reserve System, visit www.fedeconjobs.org.

Additional Information

How We Work

• On-site, full-time with 5 days per month remote work flexibility

• Location: Kansas City, MO

Salary

• $59,000 - 76,300 / Research Associate I

• Final offers are determined by factors including the candidate’s qualifications, internal alignment considerations, district assignment, and geographic location.

Screening Requirements

Certain eligibility requirements may apply.

Sponsorship

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

About the KC Fed

• Total Rewards & Benefits

• Who We Are

• What We Do

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Full Time / Part Time

Full time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Job Exempt (Yes / No)

Yes

Job Category

Economics/Research Family Group

Work Shift

First (United States of America)

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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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