Research Associate 2026

CompanyFederal Reserve Bank of Richmond

When you join the Federal Reserve—the nation's central bank—you’ll play a key role, collaborating with a dynamic team of mission-driven professionals to strengthen and protect our economy and our communities.
Bring your passion and expertise, and we’ll provide the opportunities that will challenge you and propel your growth—along with a wide range of benefits and perks that support your health, wealth, and life. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes tuition assistance, generous paid time off, top-notch health care benefits, child and family care leave, professional development opportunities, a 401(k) match, pension, and more. All brought together in a work environment where you can truly find balance.

About the Opportunity  

The Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond is looking for highly motivated recent graduates to assist economists with academic and policy-oriented research full-time for 24 months starting in June of 2026.  In addition to the Richmond-based positions, the Richmond Fed is also looking to hire a research associate (RA) based in Washington, DC, with travel to Richmond every six weeks required, to assist our economists who work with Census data; 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 opportunities to learn through economist and RA interactions and projects. RAs also 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 our policy and research projects.  

What You Will Do: 

Each of our RAs is assigned to support two or three economists with their academic research. Projects cover a wide range of topics, including general equilibrium macroeconomic models, time-series econometrics, labor economics, financial economics, contract theory, public and health economics, industrial organization, and regional economics. Responsibilities include writing computer code to solve dynamic economic models, analyzing time-series and panel data, writing literature reviews, and helping with model derivations. RAs also use these tools to assist in the preparation of policy briefings. RAs may be asked to add new long-term projects to their responsibilities or collaborate in short-term tasks during their two years, depending on the economists needs and on their performance. The position is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics. 

Visit us online for more information about the Research Department and the RA program. 

Application Requirements: 

Please submit the following three documents in the Attachments/Resume/Cover Letter section of the application (please be sure to include ALL required documents listed here): 

• 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 to the cover letter, if relevant, you are also encouraged to explain anything unique about your education history (a transfer of schools, irregularities in your grades, or explaining what certain classes are on your transcripts). Although there is no length limit for the cover letter, addressing these issues should not take more than 250 words. 

***Note that you should upload all three documents in the step where the system will prompt you to upload your resume. 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by October 31, 2025, to be considered for the first round of screening interviews and offers, though the position will remain open until all openings are filled. 

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 highly valued). Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Experience with computer programming and statistical analysis software packages (such as Stata, R and Matlab) is highly valued. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. Evidence of interest and experience in research in the form of previous work as a research assistant, or completion of a senior thesis or term paper, is a plus. 

Discover the Reason Why So Many People Love It Here!  

When you join the Richmond Fed, not only will you find a challenging and purposeful career, you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits and perks that support your health and wealth, including: 

• Great medical benefits 

• Pension and 401(k) with employer match 

• Paid time off 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Paid volunteer leave 

• Onsite amenities that make working here fun! 

Other Requirements and Considerations:  

• Candidates should review the Bank’s Employee Code of Conduct to ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest rules and personal investment restrictions.

• If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please notify [email protected].

• Peraton Moderate: Sponsorship is not available for this role. The selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility for this specific position requires U.S. Citizenship or three or more years of Permanent Resident (Green Card) status.

• The salary for this role is $67,000 annually.

• Salary offered will be based on the job responsibilities and the individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience as defined in the job qualifications.

• 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 to be considered for interviews, but the position will remain open until all positions are filled. 

Full Time / Part TimeFull time

Regular / TemporaryRegular

Job Exempt (Yes / No)No

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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