An application made for this job — a tailored resume and cover letter that speak straight to the posting.
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond is seeking a Research Associate to assist economists with academic research using Census restricted data at a Federal Statistical Research Data Center in Washington, DC. The RA will interact with Richmond-based RAs and travel for on-site engagements during core meeting weeks.
Ideal candidates have a BA with economics coursework, strong econometrics, and programming skills (Python/Stata/R).
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.
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;
We are looking for candidates from a range of backgrounds, with different interests, and perspectives.
You will support economists working at the Census with their academic research; their areas of focus fall within Labor and Industrial Organization.
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.
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.
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:
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 rich.recruit@rich.frb.org. 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.
Deadline: November 1, 2026
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.
OUR BANK has one of the most recognizable brands around the world. The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States—one of the world's most influential, trusted and prestigious financial organizations. The Federal Reserve is charged with the important mission of promoting a strong economy and a stable financial system and fulfills this responsibility by formulating national monetary policy, supervising and regulating banks and bank holding companies, and providing financial services for banks and the U.S. government. OUR PEOPLE are diverse in background and ideas, which allows for ongoing creativity and innovation. Ultimately, they are the ones who push our high‑performance, exchange-driven culture forward.
Our reputation precedes us. There will always be room for personal growth. Our people are first. You’ll find the right balance. Your responsibilities will be meaningful. We hope that you will be our future colleague.