Research Assistant - Economic Analysis and Forecasting Department

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Minneapolis - United States
S: Competitive

The Economic Analysis and Forecasting Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis provides economic analysis, forecasting, and policy advice to the Bank president and senior management on a broad range of current policy topics. The Research Assistant position is responsible for supporting staff economists in fulfilling this mission. This support includes conducting background research and literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data using advanced statistical and econometric skills, programming in widely-used statistical packages, and providing clear verbal and written reports. This position provides excellent experience for young scholars looking to build knowledge and skills in preparation for graduate school in a variety of related fields. Research Assistants typically work for between two and three years in this role before moving on to graduate school or other careers in economics, business, or related disciplines.

Responsibilities:
· At the direction of economists, assist in the preparation of analyses, reports, and other materials for policy and research projects.

· Aid economists in a timely fashion with their Bank policy projects. This support includes downloading and assembling data sets; preparing charts, tables, and presentations; using statistical, econometric and other software packages to perform analyses, model estimation and simulations; and assisting in the preparation of policy reports.

· Assist economists with research projects. This support includes compiling literature reviews and archival research; data handling and configuration; presenting and maintaining data in attractive, user-friendly formats; running simulations, estimating models, and analyzing datasets with the use of statistical, econometric and other software packages; and writing and proofreading articles under the oversight of economists .

· Support: (1) The production of documents prepared for regular briefings of the Bank president, senior management, and the Bank's Board of Directors; (2) the production of other reports to carry out the Bank's and the Department's objectives; and (3) the performance of other tasks to carry out the Bank's and the Department's objectives.

Requirements:
· Bachelor's or Master's degree with course work in economics, mathematics, statistics or related fields; prefer completed degree in one or more of those fields.
· Demonstrated experience in using large databases and statistical packages (e.g. Matlab, Gauss, EViews, Stata) or other significant computer programming experience.
· Strong analytical and problem solving abilities.
· Effective oral and written communication skills.
· Ability to meet strict deadlines and work cooperatively in a team environment.

Preferred:
· Advanced coursework in mathematics (e.g. multivariate calculus, linear algebra, differential equations), probability, statistics, and econometrics.
· Demonstrated experience with scientific programming languages (e.g. Matlab)
· Experience with higher-level statistical packages such as Eviews, Stata, and R is also a big plus.

A requirement of this position is that the employee must be a "Protected Individual." A "Protected Individual" includes but is not limited to: (1) a citizen or national of the U.S.; or (2) an alien who is lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence and who applies for citizenship within six months of being eligible to apply for citizenship and, if offered a position with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, will sign a Declaration of Intent to Become a United States Citizen.

This position would not begin until Summer 2015.

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