Payment Cards Center, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Industry Specialist - Full-Time Nonacademic

JEL Classifications:
D14 - Personal Finance
D18 - Consumer Protection
E42 - Payment Systems
G - Financial Economics
G2 - Financial Institutions and Services

The Payment Cards Center was established at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia over 10 years ago to study developments in consumer card payments. Since that time, the center's agenda has expanded to examine all aspects of consumer credit and payments. The center has made important contributions to the study of fraud in payments markets, emerging payment alternatives such as prepaid cards and mobile payments, credit card pricing, risk modeling, securitization, default and bankruptcy, collections and credit counseling practices, the efficacy of consumer disclosures, and access to traditional and alternative credit and payment products.

The center (with a staff of 11) fulfills its mission by supporting applied research conducted by industry specialists and visiting scholars, topical workshops led by regulators, academics, or industry experts, and larger conferences addressing particular questions or developments in the markets for consumer credit and payments. For example, past center-hosted events have explored topics such as prepaid card regulation, the security of consumer payment networks, commercial and government applications of payment cards, and the future of consumer credit counseling. The center also supports collaboration among researchers and analysts in other departments of the Philadelphia Fed.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Since its inception, the center has become a highly regarded source of information on consumer credit and payments topics. The primary contributors to building and strengthening this reputation are our industry specialists. They largely determine our research agenda, write most of our publications, and organize our workshops and conferences. They also participate in numerous conferences and are actively engaged in discussions with representatives from industry, regulatory agencies, consumers' groups, universities, and other research organizations. As part of the larger Federal Reserve System, industry specialists also serve on project teams made up of researchers from across the System.

These diverse responsibilities demand a unique skill set, including knowledge of the subject matter, an ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, an aptitude for conducting applied research, and, importantly, an innate curiosity. At each level, industry specialists consult with management to develop their individual agendas for research and programming. In a typical year an industry specialist will write several papers (including original research and summaries of center events) and organize several workshops, and, every other year, they organize a larger conference.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: The Center is recruiting Industry Specialists in a number of grades depending on the candidate's relevant training and industry/policy experience. A typical candidate will have an advanced degree in an area such as business, economics, public policy, law, or statistics. Ph.D.s are welcome to apply. Candidates must have demonstrated skills in research methodologies and analysis. Candidates must also have strong writing and presentation skills and be able to work independently. Experience with database and/or statistical analysis software is a plus. Experience managing research projects and conferences is also desirable.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To apply for the job, go to the following link: http://www.philadelphiafed.org/careers/job-openings.cfm

Click on the Advanced Search tab. Type in "Specialist" in the keyword field to access the job posting. Please upload a cover letter, resume/vita, a writing sample, and three professional references.