Economic Research 
As part of the nation’s central bank, the Boston Fed shares responsibility for carrying out the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate—to promote price stability and maximize employment. The Research Department plays a key role in carrying out this mission by conducting original, empirical research, briefing the Bank President on our findings in preparation for his participation in FOMC deliberations and other monetary and economic policy discussions, providing analysis to our Board of Directors in support of their primary credit rate recommendations to the Board of Governors, and conducting periodic interviews with regional businesses to collect anecdotal information for the Beige Book.
We also aim to influence public policy decisions by participating in academic debates at conferences and through other scholarly outlets such as peer-reviewed journals. Our staff of economists, policy and data analysts, research assistants, computing technicians, editors, librarians and administrative specialists work together to achieve these goals.
Current Opportunities
Research Assistants
The application period for positions beginning in Summer 2023 has closed. The Research Department provides current economic analysis and policy advice to Federal Reserve decision makers and conducts innovative research with the aim of improving our understanding of the U.S. and global economies and encouraging better policy outcomes. We will begin accepting applications for full-time Research Assistant positions in the fall of 2023 for positions starting in the summer of 2024. Research Assistant positions require a two-year commitment.
If you have an interest in serving the public and seek a meaningful work experience as you consider graduate school and future career options, our Research Assistant Program can be an excellent interim step along your career path. Questions may be directed to Bos.RA.Recruiting@bos.frb.org.
"As an economist in the Boston Fed’s Research department, I have the benefit of working in a collaborative, supportive, and non-vertical unit, that enables me to do research that contributes to economic and financial stabilization policies. I take pride in knowing that our research can make a positive change for people. The Bank leadership promotes a strong sense of community, organizes seminars and trainings for professional growth, and shows great consideration for the welfare of a diverse workforce."
Vaishali Garga, Research
Dissertation Fellowship Opportunities
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston offers paid in-residence fellowships for graduate students in economics to conduct research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
“At the Boston Fed I work with other research economists to figure out where the economy is headed—a crucial piece of information for monetary policy. In my work here, I have a lot more freedom to pursue policy-relevant topics that I might have shied away from in academia.”
Chris Foote, Research