Academic Advising Resource Center: Information and resources to help students progress toward a B.A. in Economics

Eleventh Federal Reserve District

Dallas · El Paso · Houston · San Antonio

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Research Assistant

Job Code: K56411

Last Updated:  April 23, 2013

Position Summary

Provides research assistance in the form of computer programming to access and manipulate data, producing charts and other graphics, and conducting statistical and econometric analysis.  Responsible for successfully performing duties associated with providing support services and economic analysis of the highest quality while adhering to the policies and procedures of the Research Department and the Bank.  Essential performance includes dedication to fulfilling expectations and requirements of both internal and external customers and management of priorities.  Capable of adapting to change and committed to continuous improvement, both in the delivery of support services and in self-development; communicates clearly and accurately, both verbally and in written form.

Key Responsibilities

1.  Provides a high level of support for economists and officers by locating, obtaining and compiling statistical data, constructing files, producing charts and other graphics, and performing statistical and econometric analysis under the direction of economists and officers for use in the Federal Open Market Committee briefing document, speeches and presentations, the monthly Board of Director’s Report and other projects and publications. Contributes with ideas and suggestions for project improvement.  Provides assistance on special projects as assigned; serves as backup support for other research assistants and research analysts as necessary.

2. Update and maintain statistical models regularly used for economic analysis, implements new models or improves existing ones under the guidance of economists through programming in various statistical packages—Eviews, SAS, STATA—and contributes to their development.

3.  Maintains a current knowledge of economic and business conditions for the Eleventh District and nation by attending and participating in departmental meetings such as Economic Overview prebriefings, by studying the material requested by economists and asking questions, and by reading periodicals, books, and professional papers.

4.  Performs miscellaneous research support activities such as literature searches, data gathering, etc. as requested. 5.  Responds to outside requests for information from financial and academic communities, the general public and media as needed and as is consistent with other duties.  Conducts data and information searches and assembles data or directs people to appropriate internet resources to fulfill requests.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree in economics.

Knowledge of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory, and international economics for a good level of understanding of principles and objectives behind various research projects.

Project management skills; oral and interpersonal skills.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Ability to learn new software quickly.

Core Competencies

Several core competencies have been identified as most important in fulfilling the responsibility of the research assistant.  The competency and performance traits include, but are not limited to the ability to work effectively while maintaining a positive team environment, the ability to prioritize work responsibilities and successfully respond to changing customer requirements, and the ability to communicate effectively with many personalities. Essential competencies also include the ability to make quality decisions with minimal guidance and instruction, to establish and achieve measurable self-development goals, and to exude professionalism, discretion, humility, honesty and integrity in work at all times.

In addition to the above requirements, candidates will be measured against these key competencies:

Team Player – Is seen as a team player and is cooperative with other staff members. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration and builds appropriate rapport. Uses diplomacy and tact when dealing with staff members. Is considerate of other’s time and space.

Dealing with Ambiguity – Can effectively cope with change, shift gears comfortably; and decide and act without always having the total picture. Does not get unduly upset when things are up in the air. Maintains a calm, and positive attitude. Can multi-task, but does not have to finish things before moving on to other projects. Is able to comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.

Functional/Technical Skills – Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. Understands the job duties and requirements for accomplishing performance requirements.
Time Management – Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; sets priorities; values time. Efficiently spends time on those projects, duties, and responsibilities to add value. Is able to separate the critical few from the trivial many and concentrates efforts accordingly.

Organizing – Can marshal resources to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal. Organizes and arranges information and files in an orderly and useful manner.

Planning – Sets objectives, goals, and breaks down activities and projects into the appropriate process steps and action. Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects. Develops and adheres to schedules for assignments. Anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks. Measures performance against goals and evaluates results.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, rush jobs, change in workload, or technological developments).