Careers
Dissertation Fellows
Program Information
The Board offers paid in-residence fellowships for graduate PhD students in economics and finance to conduct research on-site at the Board in Washington, D.C. While at the Board, fellows work on a topic of their own choosing, usually furthering dissertation research begun before the fellowship, and give two seminars on their work. Fellows are also encouraged to participate in our extensive seminar series, collaborate with Board economists, and to learn more about preparing for the economist job market.
Fellows are at the Board for 12 weeks, primarily in the summer, and placements are in the Divisions of Financial Stability, International Finance, Monetary Affairs, and Research and Statistics.
- Applications open December 1 and interested students may visit the Board careers website to apply.
- For consideration for the summer, applications should be submitted by February 1.
- Fellows usually start in late May or in early June.
The Board is interested in PhD candidates with specialties in a broad range of topics in economics and finance, including, among others: behavioral economics; econometrics and data science; economic measurement; financial institutions and markets; financial stability and macroprudential policy; foreign economies; industrial organization; international trade and finance; labor; macroeconomics; microeconomics; monetary economics; payment systems; and public economics.
To Apply
Please visit the Board careers website by clicking Start Job Search at the top left of this page. The following materials are required for consideration:
- curriculum vitae
- one-page description of proposed research
- transcript of graduate work
- two letters of reference
- optional: Work sample from thesis or any other well-developed research
Dissertation Fellowships Frequently Asked Questions
- In what stage should my dissertation be to maximize my chances of acceptance?
We find that fourth- and fifth-year students gain the most from this type of fellowship. Occasionally, a third-year student is far enough along on their dissertation to benefit from the program.
- Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply to the dissertation fellowship program?
No. However, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and citizenship may be a consideration.
- Should I indicate my interest in the fall and spring sessions even though my primary interest is in the summer session?
You may; however, the Board primarily hires summer fellows.
- Do I need to reside in Washington, D.C., during my fellowship?
Yes, these fellowships are full-time in our offices in Washington, DC.
- How many fellows are hired per session?
Generally, 12-17 fellowships are granted for the summer. If fall or spring fellowships are offered, usually it’s for one or two positions.
- How long do fellowships last?
Fellowships last 12 weeks.
- In addition to furthering dissertation research, are there other requirements during the fellowship?
Fellows are required to make two presentations during their stay, with the first one occurring early in the fellowship and the second one occurring towards the end of the fellowship.
- How much research should I submit as part of my application?
You must submit a one-page description of proposed research with the application. You may also submit a work sample from your thesis or any other well-developed research as an optional attachment to the application.
- I have a question not listed on the FAQ, who should I contact?
Questions should be sent to: [email protected]