Senior Research Scientist

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia•Boston, MA

6d•$136,500 - $204,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Research Scientist leads original applied research in a field relevant to the Regional & Community Outreach (R&CO) department, producing work for professional publication, either generally or internally refereed. Research is intended to inform policy and organizational work through background research, empirical analysis, and explanation of how findings relate to the economic well-being of low- and moderate-income communities. The R&CO Research team conducts research to build knowledge, inform Bank leadership, and support evidence-based strategies that advance economic well-being and mobility for low- and moderate-income communities and families in New England. Its focus areas include prosperity in smaller cities and rural areas, financial opportunity and wealth, employment outcomes, and monitoring community economic conditions. The Senior Research Scientist communicates research to stakeholders, research communities, media, and Federal Reserve System leadership, and provides direction to less experienced social scientists and other staff. This is a full-time, regular position requiring full-time in-office or in-field work, with some flexibility; onsite work is anticipated. Employees residing within the First District are expected to remain located within the district unless otherwise approved by management and HR.

Requirements

Ph.D. in a relevant social science field, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
A minimum of 3–5 years of job-related experience.
Excellent quantitative analysis skills.
Advanced expertise in a statistical programming language such as R, Stata, or SAS.
Experience leading or co-leading large research projects, with demonstrated research capability and publishing expertise.
Experience in a specialized discipline relevant to R&CO’s work.
Ability to work independently on analytical projects.
Excellent written and communication skills.
Submit a cover letter explaining interest in the position.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to applied research using empirical methods and analysis, building on subject-matter expertise.
Conduct analyses to academic peer-review standards and write for department and external publication.
Select research topics relevant to improving conditions for low- and moderate-income populations, informed by literature, department leadership, RCO engagement teams, and community stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned, including descriptive data analyses across relevant topics.
Work with Corporate Communications to expand the reach and impact of research.
Provide written communications and oral presentations to the Bank President, Board of Directors, senior management, internal staff, colleagues at other Reserve Banks, and external government, academic, and other communities.
Attend and present research at Bank and external meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Speak to nonprofessional audiences about areas of expertise and economic developments, and answer questions from the media and public.
Organize workshops, seminars, or conferences as requested.
May manage the Visiting Fellows Program, involving up to three external researchers per year working with Fed research partners to publish briefs.
Evaluate others’ work and advise colleagues on research, publications, and policy analysis.
Assist in staff recruitment.
May work with senior management and the Board of Governors.
May provide briefings and presentations supporting the Bank President’s policy obligations.
May supervise Policy Analysts.
Contribute to the broader RCO department and collaborate with colleagues engaged in activities across the region.
Keep abreast of theoretical and empirical developments and recent policy-relevant economic and financial trends.
Contribute to advances in social scientific theory, evidence, and research methods, and use independent judgment to apply them to research and policy or practice.