Research Associate

Join to apply for the Research Associate 2026 - Washington, DC role at Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

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 opportunities that will challenge you and propel your growth, along with a comprehensive benefits package that supports health, wealth and life.

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 2026. 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 learning opportunities through economist and RA interactions and projects. RAs 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 policy and research projects.

What You Will Do

You will support economists working at the Census with their academic research; their focus areas include 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 online help and requires independence and willingness to work regularly in a temporary computer station with few researchers around each day. The position is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics, particularly for those with an interest in working with big data.

Application Requirements

• Resume (CV)
• College transcripts (unofficial copies are okay at this time)
• Cover letter stating why you are a good match to the job, how you became interested in research, and how the RA experience will fit into your future academic or professional career. As an optional addendum, if relevant, you may explain anything unique about your education history (a transfer of schools, irregularities in grades, or what certain classes are on your transcripts). Although there is no length limit for the cover letter, please address this in no more than 250 words.
• Note that in the next step the system will prompt you to upload your resume only, but you should upload all three documents in that step.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.

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 are 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 independent decision making is needed for this position. Evidence of interest and experience in research (e.g., prior work as a research assistant, or completion of a senior thesis) is a plus.

Benefits and Other Considerations

• Great medical benefits
• Pension and 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid volunteer leave
• Onsite amenities that enhance the work environment
  • Candidates should review the Bank's Employee Code of Conduct to ensure compliance with conflict of interest rules and personal investment restrictions. The Code is available on the About Us, Careers webpage at www.richmondfed.org.
  • Candidates must be U.S. citizens or Green Card holders, since sponsorship or practical training extensions are not available for this position.
  • Selected candidate is subject to special background check procedures.
  • The hiring salary for this role will be $67,000 annually.
  • Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channels.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by October 31, 2025, to be considered in the first round of interviews, but the position will remain open until it is filled.

Job Details

Full Time / Regular / Non-Exempt: No | Job Category: Economics/Research | Work Shift: First (United States of America)

Equal Employment Opportunity statement and privacy notice are available on the Federal Reserve System Careers site and at the Richmond Fed. Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social channels.