Boston

innovative viewpoints, historical perspective

We are now hiring for research assistant positions.

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Boston

We examine and advise on matters related to monetary policy at the international and national levels, financial issues and their relevance to the real economy, and issues affecting the state economies of the New England region.

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Our Focus

Our work covers monetary, financial, and international issues ranging from the optimal inflation target to FinTech lending to global banking. We also focus on labor, housing, health care, and education in New England.

Labor Markets

We examine the labor side of the Fed’s dual mandate to promote price stability and maximize employment. We study the labor market and the broader implications for the national economy as well as the economies of the New England states. Our research has covered:

  • The suburbanization of employment
  • The gig economy and the well-being of workers
  • Rural New England’s rapidly aging labor force

Macro Financial Stability

As a research assistant at the Boston Fed, you might assist an economist studying an element of the financial sector and its economic relevance at the national or international level. A research assistant may help collect and analyze data concerning the connections between, for example:

  • Local bank health and consumer consumption
  • Foreign exchange risk migration and the real economy
  • The US-China trade war and the financial markets

Featured Research

“Who Gets Medication-assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, and Does It Reduce Overdose Risk?,”

Mary Burke, Riley Sullivan, Katherine Carman, Hefei Wen, J. Frank Wharam, and Hao Yu, Working Paper 21-3

 

“Do Lenders Still Discriminate? A Robust Approach For Assessing Differences in Menus,”

David Hao Zhang, Paul Willen, Working Paper 20-19

 

“The Roles of Mobility and Masks in the Spread of COVID-19,”

Daniel H. Cooper, Vaishali Garga, Maria Luengo-Prado, and Jenny Tang, Current Policy Perspectives 2020

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Begin Your Journey with Us

Our research assistant application window typically runs throughout September. We post for summer internships in the spring.

August
Prepare

Review qualifications and required materials

  • What You Bring

    A bachelor’s degree in economics, math, statistics, computer science, or international relations with concentration in economics.

    An excellent academic record.

    Strong analytical, communications, and organization skills.

    Experience with statistical software and knowledge of statistics and econometrics.

    Economic research experience is helpful.

  • Tell us about you

    Send us your cover letter, resume, brief writing sample, and unofficial transcripts.

    Have 2 letters of recommendation, one from an economics professor, sent to Bos.RA.Recruiting@bos.frb.org

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September
Apply

Be sure to carefully review your application before submitting.

  • Be Patient

    We'll be contacting applicants selected for interviews throughout October.

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October-November
Interview

Be ready to schedule a phone and video call appointment.

  • Let's Chat

    Be prepared to do virtual onsite interviews this fall.

    We want to hear about your previous experiences, interest in economics, and goals for the future.

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October-November
Accept

Offers are extended for full-time positions with June/July start dates.

  • It's Official!

    Upon accepting our offer, we'll work with you to sort out all the HR details, a start date, and relocation tips.

    We are excited to start working with you, whether in person or virtually.

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June-July
Start

Your first week will be spent getting to know your economist and other colleagues, and getting you started on research projects. Don't worry, there will be plenty of guidance and summer training sessions to help get you started.

  • Summer Training

    Research staff will introduce themselves and their work so that you can reach out to them for support throughout your time at the Boston Fed.

    We will provide training sessions on various data sets and statistical programs available to you.

  • It's not all about the work

    You will get to a chance to know the other research assistants and your colleagues through various social events such as lunches, happy hours, and other team gatherings.

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Work

Research Assistants play an essential role in the work we do, and we value your ideas and perspectives. You'll start contributing to the Boston Fed's mission of public service that makes a difference, right away.

  • Congratulations!

    You will join a team of talented researchers who make important policy contributions to the local, regional, and national economy.

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We require a two year minimum commitment for all full-time research assistant positions.

Denotes full-time position