Summer 2026 Intern- PhD Economic Research

CompanyFederal Reserve Bank of Chicago

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is recognized as one of the most influential, trusted and prestigious financial institutions in the world. We serve the Seventh District encompassing Iowa and most of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and is one of the 12 regional Reserve Banks in the United States. Together with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., the 12 Banks constitute the nation’s central bank.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DETAILS: 

The Chicago Fed’s Research Department sponsors a summer internship program for Ph.D. students to enable participants to conduct research, present results, and engage with experienced economists.

The Research Department seeks qualified candidates for summer 2026 internship positions. Ph.D. students in macroeconomics, applied microeconomics, or financial economics who are actively working on their dissertation are encouraged to apply.
The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to advance their research project and participate in the intellectual life of the Department. Interns will be mentored by experienced economists on their research as well as on a variety of potential career concerns. They will also have the opportunity to present their work in our seminar series and interact with staff and visiting economists.

Interns are hosted for up to twelve weeks, beginning the 2nd week of June, and receive compensation during the program. Interns are expected to report in person, full time.

Please note that all program participants must be authorized to legally work in the United States. Applicants who are not currently authorized to work in the United States must make arrangements independently to obtain the necessary work permissions to be able to participate in the program. The Chicago Fed does not sponsor visas nor work permits for this position.

HOW TO APPLY:

In addition to filling out the basic Workday application, please upload the following attachments when prompted to include a resume:  

• a CV, ideally with links to available research papers (please do not send papers as attachments)
• a one-page description of the research project you will be working on during the summer
• a copy of your graduate transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable)
• one letter of reference from an advisor (sent by the advisor to [email protected])

The application deadline is February 6th, 2026.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:

Salary Range: The anticipated hourly compensation range for this internship is $20 to $33, with the specific rate offered determined by factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's academic level and relevant experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. 
• As a condition of employment, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago employees must comply with the Bank’s ethics rules, which generally prohibit employees, their spouses/domestic partners, and minor children from owning securities, such as stock, of banks or savings associations or their affiliates, such as bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies. If you or your spouse/domestic partner or minor child own such securities and would not be willing or able to divest them if you accepted an offer of Bank employment, you should raise this issue with the recruiter for this posting, who can provide you contact information for our ethics official if necessary. 
• This document indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. An employee's responsibilities, tasks, and duties might differ from those outlined in the job description, and other duties, as assigned, are a part of the job. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reserves the right to modify the elements of this job description, as business needs require. 

              

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. 

Full Time / Part TimeFull time

Regular / TemporaryTemporary

Job Exempt (Yes / No)No

Job CategoryInternship Family Group

Work ShiftFirst (United States of America)

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