Research assistants at the Boston Fed typically work for one or two economists, independently performing data collection, statistical and econometric analysis, literature reviews, and writing assignments. Typical work involves conducting economic research for policy memos and for articles to appear in academic journals, Boston Fed publications, and business periodicals. Research assistants support economists whose research interests are wide-ranging and include macroeconomics, international and labor economics, housing, health decisions, behavioral economics and finance. The Research Department also houses two research centers: The Consumer Payments Research Center, which conducts quantitative and qualitative research to evaluate consumer payment behaviors and their impacts on the payment system, and the New England Public Policy Center, which promotes better public policy in New England by conducting and disseminating objective, high-quality research and analysis of regional economic and policy issues. We offer an exciting opportunity to engage in innovative research in an academic, supportive atmosphere.
We are seeking self-motivated individuals with demonstrated analytical and quantitative skills. Specifically, we are looking for applicants who:
- possess an excellent academic record with extensive coursework in economics. Mathematics, statistics and computer science or finance will also be considered
- have proficiency with at least once statistical package such as MATLAB, Stata or “R”
- demonstrate the ability to work independently within strict time constraints
- have strong written and oral communication skills
The research assistant position requires a two-year commitment, although some research assistants choose to stay an additional year. After their time at the Boston Fed, many research assistants go on to attend prestigious graduate programs in economics, public policy, and other disciplines. We expect to have five to eight openings for positions that begin in midsummer 2016. Applications will be accepted from January 1 through 31, 2016. Prospective applicants may visit our website,
www.bostonfed.org/economic/Recruit, to find out more information and submit an application. Additional questions can be sent to
RARecruit@bos.frb.org.
