Research Associates

The SF Fed is looking for exceptional college graduates to join the Economic Research team as Research Associates. Research Associates work with world-class researchers on compelling and influential topics while getting the opportunity to learn about possible career paths.

Who We Are

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 reach a wide audience through publications like our FRBSF Economic Letters, which are frequently cited in the media and used as educational resources.
• Our economists work on cutting-edge research and contribute to top academic journals and conferences. We cover a broad set of topics in macroeconomics, microeconomics, international economics, and finance.

About the Opportunity

The Research Associate (RA) position is a two-year, full-time, salaried position with full benefits. The in-office position is based in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. RAs work closely with economists at the top of their fields on a variety of research questions and real-world policy issues, while developing a toolkit for graduate study and future career paths. The position includes:

• Using analytical and computer programming skills in the areas of economics, finance, and statistics to support academic research and monetary policy work by staff economists.
• Opportunities to conduct research with multiple staff economists across all sections, providing exposure to different areas of economics and a wide range of methods, including coauthoring FRBSF Economic Letters with staff economists.
• Joining a large, dynamic cohort of Research Associates who share and cultivate an environment of support, teamwork, and collegiality.
• Continuing your learning path with the San Francisco Fed 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.

Invitation to Apply

We seek candidates with superior academic records and strong written and oral communication skills. We value different perspectives and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experience. The recruiting cycle typically starts in late August of each year and runs through October or until all positions are filled. Position start dates are typically June/July of the following year.

Competitive candidates should have at minimum:

• Superior academic record with a minimum of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, completed by July 2027, 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/proficiency with R, Stata, MATLAB, or Python; other computer programming experience a plus.
• Previous work experience as a Research Assistant is 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.

Applications must include the following to be considered:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Undergraduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• Writing sample (optional)
• At least one letter of recommendation

Please submit your application and supplemental information online through our Careers portal (Workday). Direct email applications are not accepted.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and keep the position open until all roles are filled.

Where Will You Go from Here?

Since 2020, our Research Associates have joined PhD programs at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Michigan, NYU, Northwestern, Boston University, Maryland, UT Austin, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, and UC Irvine. Eight of those were awarded National Science Foundation Fellowships. Read more about our latest cohort’s grad school plans.

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.

Find Out More About Our Research Associate Program

Candidates can read more in an SF Fed Blog by RAs and find additional information about RA opportunities at the San Francisco Fed and throughout the Federal Reserve System at Fed Econ Jobs. Additional information about our Department is on the SF Fed’s Economic Research page.

Find our Research Associate posting on Glassdoor and visit our listing on Handshake. 

To learn more about who we are at the SF Fed, check out recent videos by President Mary Daly and follow us on LinkedIn,  Facebook and X.