2026 SF Fed Research Associate

CompanyFederal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Are you a motivated college graduate looking for a chance to make a difference? The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is hiring Economic Research Associates to join our Economic Research team. We welcome applications for multiple positions that start in the Summer of 2026.
We are the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco — public servants with a mission to advance the nation’s monetary, financial, and payment systems to build a stronger economy for all Americans. As part of the nation’s central bank, we are committed to understanding and serving the vibrant, expansive communities of the Twelfth District, which covers the nine western states of the U.S. That means we seek and appreciate new perspectives and build opportunities to learn and grow. At the SF Fed, we approach our work with integrity and a commitment to service.
The Economic Research department is a center for innovative thinking about all aspects of the domestic and global economy. We conduct high-caliber research and provide in-depth and independent analysis to support monetary policy, supervision, and public information. We strive to conduct frontier research that informs policy. We cover a broad set of topics: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International, Finance, Macro Analysis and Economic Geography, and Policy.

About the Opportunity:

• Use analytical and computer programming skills in the areas of economics, finance, and statistics to support work by staff economists in areas such as academic research, monetary policy, and macroeconomic forecasting.
• There are two positions: Research Associates and a Policy Associate position. Applicants will be reviewed with both positions in mind.
• Research Associates support research and policy by staff economists. They conduct research with multiple staff economists across all topics, providing exposure to different areas of economics and a wide range of methods.
• Policy Associates support the Research Director and other department management by helping to prepare tables, charts, and other data visualizations for presentations, while working with staff economists to distribute and compile responses for surveys about the state of the economy that support policymaking.
• Co-author and support academic research for the San Francisco Fed Economic Letters.
• Since 2020, our Research Associates have joined PhD programs at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Michigan, NYU, Boston University, Maryland, UT Austin, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, and UC Irvine, among others. Seven of those were awarded National Science Foundation Fellowships. They have also gone to complete their graduate studies at top law, business, and public policy programs or join other prestigious research and policy institutions.
• This program requires a two-year commitment and is ideal for those considering graduate studies in economics, finance, public policy, statistics, or further work in macroeconomic policy.
• The San Francisco Fed offers a tuition assistance program that allows Associates to take graduate and undergraduate classes in economics, mathematics, statistics, public policy, or other areas at UC Berkeley or other local universities.
• All positions are in-office, based in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. You would be joining a large, dynamic cohort of Research Associates who share and cultivate an environment of support, teamwork, and collegiality. 
   

What We're Looking For:

• Superior academic record with at least a B.A., B.S., or B.E. degree, that includes a strong quantitative background in econometrics, statistics, math, and/or computer programming.
• A demonstrated interest in economics or finance.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Experience/proficiency with R, Stata, MATLAB, or Python; other computer programming experience a plus.
• Previous work experience as a Research Assistant also a plus, but not necessary.
• This position requires access to confidential FOMC and or/supervisory information, which is limited to "Protected Individuals" as defined in the U.S. federal immigration law. Protected Individuals include, but are not limited to, U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents who either are not yet eligible to apply for naturalization or who have applied for naturalization within the requisite timeframe. Individuals who need immigration sponsorship now or in the future are not eligible for this position, including students in F-1 or J-1 status.
   

How to Apply:

Applications must include the following (in .pdf format) to be considered:

1. a resume
2. a cover letter

3. an undergraduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable)

4. a writing sample (optional)

5. at least one letter of recommendation, sent directly by the recommender to
[email protected].

IMPORTANT NOTE: When asked to upload your resume on the Workday Portal, you must upload all supplementary application documents. There will not be an additional prompt to upload documents 2, 3, & 4. You must upload them on the same page where you upload your resume. Failure to do so will result postponing the review of your application.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and keep the position open until all roles are filled.

Additional Information:

Information about the SF Fed Research Associate position: Research Associates Program.

Information about RA opportunities throughout the Federal Reserve System: www.fedeconjobs.org.

Base Salary for this role: $80,000.00 (Location: San Francisco, CA, In-office)

We offer a wonderful benefits package including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account, Backup Child Care Program, Pre-Tax Day Care Flexible Spending Account, Paid Family Care Leave, Vacation Days, Sick Days, Paid Holidays, Pet Insurance, Matching 401(k), and Retirement/Pension.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

The SF Fed is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Full Time / Part TimeFull time

Regular / TemporaryRegular

Job Exempt (Yes / No)Yes

Job CategoryEconomics/Research Family Group

Work ShiftFirst (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.

Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers (https://rb.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FRS) or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channels.

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