PhD Dissertation Intern - Summer 2026

Federal Reserve System•Richmond, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

When you join the Federal Reserve—the nation's central bank—you’ll play a key role, collaborating with a dynamic team of mission-driven professionals to strengthen and protect our economy and our communities. Bring your passion and expertise, and we’ll provide the opportunities that will challenge you and propel your growth—along with a wide range of benefits and perks that support your health, wealth, and life. About the Opportunity: The Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond is currently recruiting for a Summer Dissertation Fellow and a Core Week Fellow. Both programs are open to advanced Ph.D. students working in the areas of monetary economics, macroeconomics, international economics, banking, finance, contract theory, industrial organization, or urban economics. The purpose of these programs is to encourage and support research on topics of interest to the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. What You Will Do: For Summer 2026, the Richmond Fed Research department is offering two programs for PhD students preparing to go on the job market: Summer Internship Program: A LONG stay of 4 weeks, which includes attending the May (preferred) or August CORE week and staying for an additional three weeks before or after the chosen CORE week. The Summer Internship Program provides a stipend and office space with us for these 4 weeks. CORE Week Fellow Program: A SHORT stay of one week, centered around attending our May (preferred) or August CORE week. This week features in-person seminars, conferences and networking opportunities with our department staff and visiting economists. The fellowship will reimburse you for reasonable travel expenses, in-town transportation, and hotel expenses. Visit dates: Students applying for the 2026 CORE Week Fellow program would attend either the May 18-22 (preferred) or the August 3-7 CORE Week. Students applying for the LONG internship would attend for a total of four adjacent weeks, including the May (preferred) or August CORE week. Students in both programs should be prepared to present a preliminary version of their job market paper. CORE week is an in-person event during which we invite several external economists to visit the Richmond Fed for the week and give seminars. Some weeks also include a one- or two-day conference. This high-energy week offers many opportunities for formal and informal interaction. More information, including agendas for past CORE weeks, can be found here. Application requirements: Upload three documents: 1) resume, 2) research proposal, and 3) cover letter. Please upload and title each document in this format: Last Name_ Resume, Last Name_ Proposal, and Last Name_Cover Letter. Note that all three documents should be uploaded in the step when you are asked to upload your resume. By applying, you will automatically be considered for both the SHORT Core Week Fellow Program and the LONG Summer Internship Program. However, you may indicate in your cover letter whether you would like to be considered for only one of the two programs, or if one of the two programs fits better with your academic plans this Summer. Also indicate whether you will be available for the May CORE Week, the August CORE Week, or either. Please also request one of your professors to send a confidential letter of recommendation to [email protected]. We will consider candidates for whom we have all documents and the letter by March 29nd. Other Requirements and Considerations: Candidates should review the Bank’s Employee Code of Conduct to ensure compliance with conflict of interest rules and personal investment restrictions. The Code is available on the About Us, Careers webpage at www.richmondfed.org. Selected candidate is subject to special background check procedures. The hourly rate for summer interns is $ 35.00 / hour. Onsite presence required Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we may be unable to contact each individual directly. The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond provides equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, sex, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information