Research Associate, Payments

About the Role

The Economic Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City conducts innovative analysis and research on applied microeconomics, consumer finance, payments, macroeconomics, monetary policy, international trade, and regional economics. The Department has an opening for a Payments Research Associate to start in fall/winter 2026. The program generally runs for two years with the opportunity to extend, if applicable. This is an excellent position for someone passionate about research and considering a PhD in economics. RAs develop analytical and communication skills as well as technical skills, such as programming and working in a high-performance computing environment.

Responsibilities

• Working with PhD economists on policy briefings and academic research projects.
• Analyzing data and creating charts from large transaction-level datasets and national surveys, including payment network and settlement data, consumer credit panels, and household survey microdata.
• Participating in econometric or theoretical research, writing for Bank publications, and delivering speeches to civic and educational groups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in economics or a closely related field such as statistics, mathematics, or computer science.
• Coursework or experience in economics required; coursework or experience in econometrics, mathematics, statistics, and computer science highly desirable.
• Proficiency in programming languages and statistical software packages such as Stata, R, Python, or Matlab highly desirable.
• Strong academic record and experience with empirical research and data analysis highly desirable.

Pay

$59,000 - 76,300 / Research Associate I. Final offers are determined by factors including the candidate's qualifications, internal alignment considerations, district assignment, and geographic location.

Schedule

On-site, full-time with 5 days per month remote work flexibility. Start date is flexible for fall/winter 2026.

How to Apply

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript copy. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early is recommended. Applications will be pre-screened prior to interview selections. Please apply before November 1, 2026 to be considered.

For more information on the Economic Research Department and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, visit www.kansascityfed.org. For information on RA openings throughout the Federal Reserve System, visit www.fedeconjobs.org.