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 Research Associates to join our Economic Research team. We welcome applications for multiple positions that start in the summer of 2025.
At the San Francisco Fed, we are public servants with a congressionally mandated mission to promote a sound and stable economy to support the lives of all Americans. We are a community-engaged bank, committed to understanding and serving the vibrant, diverse people of the Twelfth District. That means we seek and appreciate new perspectives. We respect people for what they do and for who they are. We build opportunities to learn and grow. When you join the SF Fed, you become part of a team united in its purpose to promote an economy that works for everyone.
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 in macroeconomics, microeconomics, international economics, and finance.

About the Opportunity:

• Research Associates use analytical and computer programming skills in the areas of economics, finance, and statistics to support academic research and monetary policy work by staff economists.
• Research Associates can conduct research with multiple staff economists across all sections, providing exposure to different areas of economics and a wide range of methods.
• Research Associates conduct quantitative data analyses, prepare supporting policy and educational outreach materials, and manage financial and economic databases.
• Research Associates often co-author San Francisco Fed Economic Letters with staff economists.
• The position requires a two-year commitment and is ideal for those considering graduate studies, particularly in economics or finance.
• Since 2020, our Research Associates have joined PhD programs at MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Michigan, NYU, Boston University, Maryland, UT Austin, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, and UC Irvine. Six of those RAs were awarded National Science Foundation Fellowships. Research Associates have also gone to complete their graduate studies at top law, business, and public policy programs or join other prestigious research and policy institutions.
• The San Francisco Fed offers a tuition assistance program, which allows Research Associates to take several graduate and undergraduate classes in economics, mathematics, statistics, and other areas at the University of California, Berkeley, and at Stanford University.
• The position is 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. 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 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 to be considered:

1. a cover letter

2. a resume

3. an undergraduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable)

4. a writing sample (optional)

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

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: $75,000.00 (Location: San Francisco, CA)

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

Work ShiftFirst (United States of America)

The Federal Reserve Banks believe that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success as an organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. 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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