The economic research divisions (International Finance, Monetary Affairs, and Research and Statistics) at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, located in Washington, D.C., conduct economic research and policy analysis on a wide range of domestic and international issues. An important role of the research divisions is to provide economic forecasting and analysis in support of the economic policymaking function of the Board of Governors and of the Federal Open Market Committee.

The economic research divisions regularly hire research assistants who have undergraduate degrees, primarily in economics, but also in related fields such as statistics, mathematics, finance, or computer science. Research assistants work closely with one of the finest economic research staffs in the United States, applying quantitative skills to both real world policy issues and to high-level research projects. Accordingly, the divisions seek applicants who have training in econometrics, mathematical statistics, or both, as well as good computer skills--for example, a facility with statistical packages such as SAS or a programming language such as C. In addition, most positions require training in economics through the intermediate theory level. Extensive coursework in mathematics also would be useful, as would study in such areas as money and banking, finance, and international trade theory.