The Research Assistant (RA) Program at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System places recent graduates alongside PhD economists to produce original economic research and policy analysis. Over 150 RAs work across seven Board divisions in Washington, D.C. — most in Financial Stability, International Finance, Monetary Affairs, and Research & Statistics. It is a two-year, full-time salaried role widely used as a stepping stone to doctoral study: more than half of departing RAs go on to graduate programs, mostly PhDs in economics or finance.
Benefits & funding
- Full-time salaried Board employment (federal-scale pay; the Board does not publish a fixed RA salary figure).
- Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions; short- and long-term disability at no cost.
- Federal Reserve retirement pension (vesting after 5 years) plus a Thrift Plan with employer matching up to the first 7% of salary.
- Tuition, required-book, and academic-fee assistance for continuing education.
- 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave; a monthly public-transit or vanpool commuting subsidy.
- Relocation assistance for the move to Washington, D.C.
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, statistics, math, finance, data science, computer science, public policy, or a related field.
- Knowledge of economic principles and quantitative techniques; experience with statistical software or programming languages (Stata, R, Python, MATLAB).
- U.S. citizenship is required for Research Assistant positions.
- Strong written and verbal communication; demonstrated initiative and integrity.
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
Sign in and add your profile to check this against your nationality, residency, and studies.
Eligible nationalities
USA
Not in your profile yet
Education required
Bachelor · Master
Not in your profile yet
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Prepare a cover letter, résumé, unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, and one to two letters of recommendation.
- 2Create an account in the Board’s online application portal (Taleo).
- 3Upload all materials as PDF files and submit within an open cycle window.
- 4Shortlisted candidates are interviewed; offers follow on a rolling, per-cycle basis.
Program timeline
Fall application window
Aug 15 – Oct 15
Spring application window
Oct 16 – Jan 31
Interviews (fall / spring cohorts)
Oct–Nov / Mar–May
Offers issued
Oct–Dec / Mar–May
August 2026
2026–27 cycle opens for submission