Research Assistant

About this role

As a Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago you will utilize analytical skills in the areas of Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics and Computer Science to support academic research and policy work by staff economists. Topics of interest to our economists include micro and macroeconomics, finance, regional economic markets, insurance markets, and economic inequality and inclusion. This position is structured as part of a two‑year program and requires a two‑year commitment.

• Conduct statistical and economic analyses of current macroeconomic, microeconomic, financial, and regional data.
• Support economists in their basic and applied research by collecting data, performing moderately complex statistical analysis, writing code for model estimation, and organizing the presentation of results.
• Prepare charts, tables, and descriptive text for department management or other staff economists to use in briefings to the President and the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with economists from literature reviews through data analyses, regressions, and presentation of results.
• Recommend, initiate, plan, and execute research projects under the guidance of the manager and department researchers.
• Perform other duties as requested.

• Minimum bachelor’s degree with a strong quantitative background (econometrics, statistics, advanced calculus, or computer programming).
• Evidence of aptitude for quantitative and analytical skills.
• Exposure to and experience using data and programming languages.
• Demonstrated interest in economics.

• Knowledge of and experience applying economic theory and quantitative analysis techniques under the supervision of researchers.
• Ability to use PC standard and statistical programs such as R, Python, STATA, MATLAB, ArcGIS, etc. to organize data and perform advanced statistical and econometric analyses.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. This position has additional screening requirements due to the information accessed while performing the job and will be initiated upon offer acceptance.

• Expected starting salary of $75,000 annually plus annual performance‑based discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package to support overall health and financial security.
• Continuous learning environment with opportunities to gain new skills and advance your career.

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. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago employees and applicants are valued for their differences.