Senior Research Scientist

01A Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead original applied research with impact on policy and public understanding. You will publish work, advise leadership, and guide junior researchers while advancing solutions for low- and moderate-income communities.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant social science, have 3–5 years of experience, strong quantitative skills in R, Stata or SAS, and a track record of independent, peer‑reviewed research and clear

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in a social science field and 3–5 years of related experience.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills with advanced methods.
• Publication experience and ability to communicate to diverse audiences.
• Independent analytical ability and clear written communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research using empirical methods to advance subject matter expertise.
• Produce analyses that meet academic standards and publish findings.
• Write for department and external publication; present to leadership and external audiences.
• Identify topics to improve conditions for low- and moderate-income populations and related policy.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

R / Stata / SAS

Excellent writing & communication

Education

Ph.D. in relevant social science

Tools

R

Stata

SAS

Job description

Company Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Job Description Summary As an employee of the Boston Fed, you will work to promote sound growth and financial stability in New England and the nation. The bank contributes to communities, the region, and the nation by conducting economic research, participating in monetary policy-making, supervising certain financial institutions, providing financial services and payments, playing a leadership role in the payments industry, and supporting economic well-being in communities through a variety of efforts. The Boston Fed is one of 12 Reserve Banks and we serve all or parts of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Our mission is to create a vibrant economy that works for all. It is anticipated that you will work onsite for this role. If you currently reside within the First District it is expected to stay located within the district unless otherwise approved by your management and HR management. Please include a Cover letter explaining your interest in the position.

Senior Research Scientist Job Description Role Summary:

This position is responsible for leading original applied research in a field of specialization relevant to R&CO’s work for professional publication, either generally or internally refereed.

About the RCO Research Team:

The R&CO Research team shares expertise and conducts research designed to build knowledge, inform Bank leadership, and enable others to build evidence-based strategies that support the economic well-being and mobility of low- and moderate-income communities and families in New England.

The department’s focal areas are: Promoting the prosperity of smaller cities and rural areas, financial opportunity including understanding wealth, and employment outcomes; and we also do work to monitor community economic conditions. Our work contributes to the Fed’s larger goal of building an economy that works for everyone.

The Senior Research Scientist’s work should aim to inform policy and/or the work of organizations by providing background on the topic, empirical analysis, and explanation of how the findings may inform issues related to the economic well-being of low-and moderate-income communities. This position is responsible for communicating clearly and formally to the public, including key stakeholders, research communities, the media, and leadership across the Federal Reserve System on economic and community development topics. The Senior Research Scientist is also responsible for providing direction to less experienced social scientists and other staff members.

Responsibilities:

• Leading and contributing to applied research using empirical methods and analysis that aim to contribute to and build upon subject matter expertise. (50%)
• Conducting analyses in a manner expected to meet academic peer review standards.
• Writing for department and external publication.
• Selecting topics relevant to improving conditions of low- and moderate-income populations--informed by research literature, department leadership, RCO engagement teams and community stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned including descriptive data analyses across a range of relevant topics.
• Communicating research (25%)
• Working with Corporate Communications to expand reach and impact.
• Providing written communication and oral presentations internally to the President, the Board of Directors, Senior Management, internal staff and colleagues at other Reserve Banks as needed as well as externally to government, academic and other communities.
• Attending and presenting research at meetings, conferences and workshops held by the Bank and academic, business, and international organizations to hear, discuss and present current research.
• Speaking to non-professional audiences on areas of professional expertise and economic developments and answering questions from the media and public.
• Organizing workshops, seminars, or conferences as requested.
• Team contributions (25%)
• May manage the Visiting Fellows Program, consisting of up to three external researchers per year who work with Fed research partners to publish briefs.
• Evaluating others' work and advising colleagues on their research, publications, and policy analysis.
• Assist in staff recruitment.
• May work with senior management, the Board of Governors.
• May provide briefings and presentations to support the Bank President’s policy obligations.
• May supervise Policy Analysts.
• Contribute to the broader RCO department and collaborate with colleagues engaged in activities across the region.

Other Job expectations

Keeping abreast of theoretical and empirical developments, and of recent policy-relevant economic and financial trends. Contributing to advances in social scientific theory, evidence, and research methods. Using independent judgment to apply such advances to research and policy/practice.

Qualifications include:

• Knowledge and experience normally acquired through, or equivalent to, the completion of a Ph.D. degree in relevant social science field and a minimum of 3-5 years of job-related experience.
• Excellent quantitative analysis skills and advanced expertise in a statistical programming language (e.g. R, Stata, SAS).
• Experience leading or co-leading large research projects, demonstrated research capability and publishing expertise.
• Experience in a specialized discipline relevant to RCO’s work.
• Ability to function on an independent basis on analytical projects, and superb written and communication skills.

The salary range for this position is $136,500 - $204,700. The Boston Fed believes in salary transparency. The final salary and offer will be determined by the applicant’s background, skills, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Whether you’re developing into the job or are a more seasoned candidate, we aim to pay competitively.

All employees assigned to this position will be subject to FBI fingerprint/ criminal background and Patriot Act/ Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) watch list checks at least once every five years.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or skills associated with this position or the personnel so classified. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of this position, management reserves the right to revise this or any job description at its discretion at any time.

The Regional & Community Outreach Department collaborates actively with regional stakeholders and across internal functions. As such, we require full-time in-office or in-field work (with some flexibility) for this position.

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)

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.

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