Philadelphia

revolutionary heritage, urban adventures

Now accepting applications for positions starting in the summer of 2021.

All Opportunities arrow_right Philadelphia
Richmond chevron_right

Philadelphia

Our research spans from urban economics to consumer finance to macroeconomics and monetary policy. Our academic research and analysis of local and national economic developments are integral to the Philadelphia Fed's monetary policy deliberations.

Learn more about our focus arrow_downward Learn more about our hiring cycles arrow_downward

Our Focus

Our work provides insights on many facets of our economy, both within our three-state region of the Third Federal Reserve District, and nationally.

Consumer Finance

The Third District is home to numerous consumer finance institutions and consumers' decisions are vital to understanding the U.S. economy. As a research assistant, you will help our economists analyze data to better understand topics like:

  • The Aggregate Implications of Microeconomic Consumer Behavior
  • Housing and Demographic Changes
  • Consumer Debt and Bankruptcy

Regional and Urban Expertise

The Third District is also known as a microcosm of the U.S. economy and our surveys of regional economic activity are closely watched by the public. Our RAs assist our regional economists in studying topics including:

  • Urban Economics
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Labor Mobility and Migration

Featured Research

"Reopening the Economy: What Are the Risks, and What Have States Done?"

Enghin Atalay, Shigeru Fujita, Sreyas Mahadevan, Ryan Michaels, Tal Roded, Research Brief July 2020

 

"Freeway Revolts!"

Jeffrey Brinkman with Jeffrey Lin, Working Paper 19-29

 

“Natural Amenities, Neighborhood Dynamics, and Persistence in the Spatial Distribution of Income”

Jeffrey Lin and Sanghoon Lee, The Review of Economic Studies, 663-694

Visit Philadelphia Fed east

Begin Your Journey with Us

Our research assistant recruiting cycle usually runs from September through March. We usually post for summer internships from late December through February.

Prepare

 

  • In Demand

    Before you apply, be sure to obtain letters of recommendation from two economics professors or research advisors.

    You will be asked to have them send the letters after your application is reviewed.

  • Other Documents

    Prepare your resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and a writing sample that reflects your ability to explain economic analysis.

timeline-prepare
Apply

Be sure to carefully review your application before submitting.

timeline-apply
Interview

Be ready to schedule a video appointment.

  • Let's Chat

    Tell us about you and your unique perspectives.

  • Meet the RAs

    You'll meet with other RAs to learn more about their day-to-day experiences.

timeline-interview
Accept

Offers are extended to fill intern and full-time positions.

  • It's Official!

    Upon accepting an offer, you will set your start date (typically in June for interns and June, July, or August for RAs).

  • Take a Deep Breath

    You made it, relax, and get ready to start.

timeline-accept
Start

Your first week will be spent onboarding and learning.

  • Extensive Training

    Like learning? Our training program will give you access to the latest software and subscription services.

  • We're Family

    We pride ourselves in our warm and welcoming staff.

timeline-start
Work

After your first week at the bank, you'll feel ready to contribute

  • Congratulations!

    You will be assigned to your economist(s) and get started on programming and working with economic data.

timeline-work
Visit Philadelphia Fed east

We accept applications, conduct interviews, and extend offers throughout the cycle.

Denotes full-time position