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Programming Research Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Federal Reserve System

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

Training in programming, econometrics, data analysis, and research tools. * Research seminars ... The Research Assistant Program is designed to be an important step in your career. RAs pursue ...

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Programming Research Assistant information

What is a programming research assistant?

Programming Research Assistants are individuals who support academic or professional research projects by developing, testing, and maintaining computer programs and scripts. They collaborate with researchers to implement algorithms, perform data analysis, and automate research workflows. Their work is essential for handling large datasets, running simulations, and ensuring that research-related code is efficient and reproducible. Often, they are students or early-career professionals with strong programming and analytical skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a programming research assistant?

To thrive as a Programming Research Assistant, you typically need strong programming skills (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), a background in computer science or a related field, and familiarity with research methodologies. Experience with data analysis tools, version control systems like Git, and possibly specific research software is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with research teams. These competencies ensure accurate data handling, reliable research outcomes, and efficient team collaboration in research projects.

What challenges do programming research assistants face?

Programming Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving project requirements, managing large and complex datasets, and debugging experimental code under tight deadlines. Collaboration with researchers and other team members requires strong communication skills, especially when translating technical findings into accessible results. Staying current with new programming tools and research methodologies is also essential to contribute effectively to cutting-edge projects.

What is the difference between Programming Research Assistant vs Data Analyst?

AspectProgramming Research AssistantData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, related field; programming skillsBachelor's in Statistics, Data Science, or related; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, finance, healthcare, and other industries
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizations, tech firmsCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies

The Programming Research Assistant and Data Analyst roles share a focus on data and programming skills, often requiring similar educational backgrounds. However, Programming Research Assistants typically work in research settings with a focus on developing algorithms and software, while Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to inform business decisions. Both roles are essential in data-driven environments but serve different primary functions.

Infographic showing various Programming Research Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL • On-site

Federal Reserve System
Banking and Credit Intermediation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Federal Reserve Systemexternal

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Are you a curious, quantitatively skilled recent graduate who wants to understand how economic research informs real-world policy? Join the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Research Assistant Program and work alongside economists and researchers on important questions facing the economy, financial markets, businesses, and households.
As a Research Assistant, you will gain hands-on experience across the research process, including managing data, conducting econometric analysis, answering economic questions, and communicating results through compelling charts, written analysis, and presentations. You will contribute to both long-term research and timely policy analysis while building the technical and analytical skills needed for a successful career in economics.
This is a two-year opportunity designed for recent graduates who want to deepen their research capabilities, explore the field of economics, and prepare for the next stage of their careers.
What You'll Do
Research Assistants work closely with economists and research staff across a range of economic and policy areas, including macroeconomics, microeconomics, finance, and regional economics.
Responsibilities include:
  • Collecting, cleaning, managing, and analyzing economic and financial data.
  • Conducting statistical and econometric analysis and developing research code using tools such as Stata, R, Python, and MATLAB.
  • Conducting literature reviews and synthesizing academic and policy research.
  • Preparing charts, tables, written analysis, presentations, and briefing materials.
  • Supporting research papers, publications, and time-sensitive policy analysis.
  • Collaborating with economists, researchers, and other Research Assistants across projects.

Your Development
The Research Assistant Program provides opportunities to develop your research, technical, and professional skills through:
  • Training in programming, econometrics, data analysis, and research tools.
  • Research seminars featuring Chicago Fed economists and visiting scholars.
  • Workshops, conferences, coursework, and other learning opportunities.
  • Mentorship and professional development focused on graduate study and career planning.
  • Building relationships across the Federal Reserve and broader research community.

The Research Assistant Program is designed to be an important step in your career. RAs pursue futures in either graduate studies of economics, public policy, finance, law, and data science or continue with careers across government, academia, and industry.
Who We're Looking For
We seek candidates with:
  • A bachelor's degree or higher in economics, finance, statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science, public policy, or a related field with strong economics and mathematical coursework.
  • Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Familiarity with statistical programming languages such as Stata, R, Python, or MATLAB.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Curiosity, initiative, and a demonstrated interest in economics, research, or public policy.

Previous research experience is valued but not required. We welcome candidates with a range of academic and professional experiences who demonstrate the skills and intellectual curiosity needed to succeed.
What We Offer
  • Full-time, two-year position with competitive salary and benefits.
  • Direct collaboration with economists and research staff.
  • Structured training, mentorship, and professional development.
  • Opportunities to participate in coursework, workshops, conferences, and seminars.
  • Opportunities to contribute to Chicago Fed research and publications, including potential opportunities for joint authorship.
  • A collaborative and supportive Research Assistant community.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit:
1-Resume
2-Cover letter
3-Undergraduate transcript(s) - unofficial transcripts are acceptable
4-Two references with name and contact information
5-At least one letter of recommendation - Submitted directly to ResearchAssistantLOR@chi.frb.org by your recommender with your LAST NAME, FIRST NAME in the subject line
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When asked to upload your resume in the Workday Portal, you must upload all supplementary application documents. There will not be an additional prompt to upload documents 2, 3, & 4. You must upload all documents on the same page as your resume. Failure to do so will result in postponing the review of your application.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
For questions, contact RA.Recruiting@chi.frb.org.
Learn more about the Chicago Fed Research Assistant Program:
https://www.chicagofed.org/research/research-assistant
Additional Details
  • The expected starting salary for this position is $75,000 annually in addition to annual performance-based discretionary bonuses. Final salary and offer will be determined based on the applicant's relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographic and other market data.
  • The Chicago Fed offers benefits to support overall health and financial security. Learn more about our benefits here: https://www.chicagofed.org/careers/thebenefits
  • A continuous learning environment with opportunities to gain new skills and grow your career.

Additional Requirements
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
  • This position has additional screening requirements due to the information accessed while performing the job. These additional screenings would be initiated at the time of offer acceptance and can take approximately two months to be completed. The screening covers areas such as education/employment verification, criminal history, credit history, and reaches out to your references and people that know you well.
  • As a condition of employment, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago employees must comply with the Bank's ethics rules, which generally prohibit employees, their spouses/domestic partners, and minor children from owning securities, such as stock, of banks or savings associations or their affiliates, such as bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies. If you or your spouse/domestic partner or minor child own such securities and would not be willing or able to divest them if you accepted an offer of Bank employment, you should raise this issue with the recruiter for this posting, who can provide you contact information for our ethics official if necessary.
  • This document indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. An employee's responsibilities, tasks, and duties might differ from those outlined in the job description, and other duties, as assigned, are a part of the job. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reserves the right to modify the elements of this job description, as business needs require.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.
Full Time / Part Time
Full time
Regular / Temporary
Regular
Job Exempt (Yes / No)
Yes
Job Category
Economics/Research Family Group
Work Shift
First (United States of America)
The Federal Reserve Banks are committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants in compliance with applicable law and to an environment where employees are valued for their differences.
Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers (https://rb.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FRS) or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channels.
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