Economics Research Assistant

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send their application package by email to EconomistCareers@FDIC.gov. To be considered, application packages must include a cover letter, resume, and transcript with the content outlined above. Incomplete or mailed applications will not be considered.

Please direct all questions regarding Economic RA positions to Adam Bovenzi at abovenzi@fdic.gov or (571) 232-9689.

Job Description

Economic Assistants (Research) in DIR research, analyze and evaluate banking industry and economic information supporting staff research projects, work assignments, and the FDIC’s program for identifying, monitoring, and addressing existing and emerging risks to the Deposit Insurance Fund. They are also responsible for responding to data or information requests from other divisions, agencies, state and local governments, and bankers on economic or financial matters. Economic Assistants (Research)may also research, gather information, and compile data pertaining to the financial services industry, financial markets, FDIC-insured institutions, as well as national, international, and regional economic developments. They often collaborate with other DIR staff on draft research publications or other FDIC publications that analyze banking and economic trends and conditions. Economic Assistants (Research) working on the Failed Bank Data Project assist the staff economists in their analysis of large, complex data collected from failed banks. In addition to maintaining and adding to the structured asset and liability data, Economic Assistants (Research) search and analyze failed banks’ regulatory reports, internal documents, and public news items to provide information relevant to the structured data analysis. Economic Assistants (Research) in Regional Offices contribute to the analysis of local economic and financial data for the production of written products, outreach presentations, and special projects. 

Informational Session

DIR hiring managers will host a 30-minute informational virtual Q&A session about the Economic Assistant (Research) position on October 4, 2023. To receive a link to the session, register your email here by 12:00 p.m. EST, October 2, 2023.

Job Start Date
Winter 2023, spring, summer, or fall 2024 contingent on completion of degree requirements and conferring of official transcript.

Compensation 

As of 2023, the base salary is $44,090 plus the applicable locality rate (a list of the 2023 locality rates is available on FDIC.gov).  

Other Information
The position is limited to a two-year term, with possible one-year extensions, not to exceed four years in total length.

Required Education and Experience 

Applicants must meet specific education requirements or have a combination of education and experience, as outlined below. 

1 – Degree in economics, that includes at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus;  or

2 - Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Evaluation of Experience

Examples of qualifying experience include:

1. individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation;
2. supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or
3. teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.

OR
 

1 – One year of graduate level education, or

2 – Superior academic achievement in undergraduate school that includes a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.

Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

1) Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

2) Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. A list of acceptable honor societies can be found at https://www.achsnatl.org/quick_link.asp 

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this posting may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. You can confirm if your school is accredited here.    

Required Documents: Failure to provide all of the required documentation as stated in this posting may result in an ineligible determination or may affect your consideration status. 

1 – Cover letter that clearly states the office location(s) for which the candidate wishes to be considered.

2 – Resume that includes the position title of “Economic Assistant (Research)” as well as the candidate’s name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. More information on federal resumes can be found on the USAJOBS website.

3 – Transcript that includes all coursework being used to qualify for the education requirements of the position. An unofficial transcript is acceptable for the initial application.

4 – Veteran’s Preference candidates should click here.  If claiming veterans preference, Veterans must submit the Member 4 copy of the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or documentation  showing the type of discharge/character of service, i.e., Honorable, Under Honorable Conditions, etc., along with any other documents, (VA Letter or SF-15) to demonstrate veterans’ preference eligibility.

Visit the FDIC’s jobs website for information on compensation, benefits, and other FDIC employment opportunities.

The FDIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship is required.