Research Associate 2026 - Washington, DC

Company

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

When you join the Federal Reserve—the nation's central bank—you’ll play a key role, collaborating with leading tech professionals to strengthen and protect our economic, financial and payments systems. We invest in contemporary and emerging technology each year to support the Federal Reserve and our economy, and we’re building a dynamic and diverse team for our future.

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 flexible work environment where you can truly find balance.

About the Opportunity

The Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond is looking for a highly motivated recent graduate to assist economists with academic research full-time for 24 months starting in June of 2026.  The research will specifically use Census restricted data that must be accessed in person at a Federal Statistical Research Data Center (RDC) location in Washington, DC. The Research Associate (RA) will interact virtually with the Research department’s cohort of RAs, who will be located in Richmond. The RDC RA will interact regularly on site in DC with the Richmond economists using the Census data, and one other Richmond Fed RA working at the Census. RDC RAs are expected travel to Richmond for onsite engagements as part of the department’s core meeting weeks, which occur 8 times per year (travel and lodging expenses will be reimbursed).  

In addition to the DC-based position, the Richmond Fed is also looking to hire several RAs based in Richmond, VA, to assist our economists in our main location; 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:

You will support economists working at the Census with their academic research; their areas of focus fall within Labor and Industrial Organization.  Responsibilities include analyzing large panel data, writing computer code to solve dynamic economic models, conducting literature reviews, and helping with model derivations. Working at the Census requires strong coding skills due to limited availability of online help and requires independence and willingness to work regularly in a temporary computer station with different and few researchers around each day. The position is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics, and in particular for those with an interest in working with big data.

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

Application Requirements:

Please submit the following four 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 ce