PhD Researcher (2026-2027 PhD Job Market) (Ottawa (Downtown), ON, CA)

PhD Researcher (2026-2027 PhD Job Market)

Take a central role

We are seeking well-trained PhD economists committed to rigorous research and passionate about central banking. The Bank of Canada has a vision to be “a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada.” No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very centre of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. Successful candidates are the individuals who are enthusiastic to learn about central banking, are keen to influence policy and curious in expanding their expertise in many areas of central banking. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in an environment where we are reinventing central banking, renewing ways of doing business and reinforcing a culture of innovation.

Find out more about the Bank’s current research priorities, explore the broad range of staff research that our people have the intellectual freedom to pursue, and learn about the ways in which the Bank supports and collaborates with the external research community.

Important Information About this Position

The position title used in this posting may differ from the official internal title of the position.

Successful candidates will be appointed to either the Senior Economist or Senior Financial Sector Specialist Analyst position, as appropriate.

Application Process
Your application must include the following:

• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• research paper(s) or job market paper
• three letters of recommendation

Requests for additional information and the letters of recommendation should be submitted through Econjobmarket.

To apply, click on the link above or visit www.bankofcanada.ca/careers.

Your future responsibilities

You will be expected to produce rigorous research and policy work to help the Bank’s senior management make better policy decisions for all Canadians.  Your research will inform and help shape the Bank’s research agenda and support your department in providing sound policy advice. Subject to the needs and interests of the Bank and the employee, senior economists or senior analysts may move to other Bank departments to pursue research of relevance in new or needed areas.

More specifically, you will be expected to:

• Develop leading-edge research ideas, produce and disseminate high-quality research papers on Bank priorities.
• Contribute to the core policy responsibilities of your department through model development initiatives, timely policy analysis and briefings to senior management.
• Collaborate with researchers and policy staff within the Bank, and colleagues from other organizations on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Build relationships with external parties-- e.g., government and international agencies, other central banks, financial market participants and organizations, and academia-- to share and receive feedback on research and analysis.
  

Your education 
A recent (completed after January 2021) or forthcoming (completed in 2027) PhD in economics. 

Innovative Mindset

We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things. 

Your knowledge and skills
We will evaluate your application against the key requirements listed below and your education, which must be demonstrated in your cover letter, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and research paper(s) or job market paper. 

If you are selected for an interview, you may be evaluated through two interviews, a written assessment and a presentation of your job market paper.

Key requirements

• Research skills: the ability to undertake in-depth and high-quality research projects that are publishable in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Alignment of fields of expertise with Bank priorities.
• Writing skills: the ability to produce effective written documents in a style and form likely to appeal to and influence the intended audience.
• Oral communication and presentation skills: the ability to make effective, well-structured presentations adapted to the intended audience, inside or outside the Bank, and the ability to communicate effectively with others by demonstrating active listening skills and conveying information clearly.
• Teamwork and collaboration: the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Innovation: the ability to create new insights, devise novel approaches and make innovative decisions through research.
• Analytical and technical skills: strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex economic and financial information using empirical and/or modelling skills.
• No minimum post-PhD employment experience required; relevant doctoral research experience will be considered.

Language requirement: English or French essential

In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent combination of a PhD and research experience in an area of current particular relevance or interest to the Bank not listed above may be considered.

Research support, collaboration and development

The Bank of Canada is committed to employee growth and career development and supports employees in reaching their full potential within their roles. 

• As part of the career path in this position, it is possible to progress to a role with an expanded scope at a higher job grade, and a corresponding salary increase, if specific criteria are met. 
• Travel for external presentations of ongoing research is centrally funded and managed by a committee comprised of Senior Researchers. Additional funding may be available for working with co-authors, invited discussions, or attending high-profile conferences.
• Support provided by Research Assistants who help gather data, conduct statistical analysis, and prepare materials for presentations and a talented team of administrative, computer, data-scientist, editorial, design, and library professionals.
• Access to numerous data sources, including confidential and administrative data and powerful computing capabilities, including the cluster.
• A variety of vehicles for external distribution of research and analytical work. These include, personal web pages, Staff Working Paper series, Staff Discussion Paper series, Staff Analytical Notes series, and Technical Reports.
• Many opportunities to interact and exchange ideas, provide feedback on ongoing research, and collaborate on research projects with economists from top economic departments and major institutions, with potential referees, and journal editors by offering:  
  • a steady stream of research conferences, workshops, and visiting speaker seminars throughout the year including the Fellowship Program and the Visiting Scholar Program.
  • the opportunity to work along side several Special Advisors whose role is to enhance the research efforts and policy advice by providing guidance on joint research projects (i.e. commenting on papers and policy documents).
     

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career.

Salary
The Bank offers a competitive total compensation package that is reviewed annually. The starting base salaries are based on qualifications and range annually between CAD $114,952.50 and CAD $156,778.00.  

The salaries currently indicated are based on the 2026 salary scales. The Bank’s salary structure is reviewed regularly to ensure that the total compensation (salary and benefits) offered to employees continues to be competitive. In 2027 the salaries indicated above could be adjusted in accordance with the Bank’s annual salary review process and this poster will be updated to reflect any changes.

Hiring bonus
You may be eligible for a hiring bonus payable as a lump sum payment at time of hire and up to two annual additional payments to a total maximum of up to 30% of your base salary.

Performance pay
The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at 7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (up to 10%) for those who exceed expectations.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health, dental, disability and life and/or accident insurance coverage that meets your needs.
• Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement.
• Indexed, defined-benefit pension plan. 
• The Bank offers flexible work arrangements, including teleworking, flexible work hours and work from away.

For more information on key benefits, please visit www.bankofcanada.ca/careers/working-here.
 

Additional information

• Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Must be eligible for reliability status or secret clearance.
• Work schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week).
• Relocation assistance may be provided, if required.
• Contact information:
  
  • [email protected]
  • North America: 1-800-303-1282
  • Outside North America: 613-782-8111
  • 234 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G9
• Number of available positions: Up to 8.
• Work address: 234 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G9.
• Position Type: Permanent/Full time.

Hybrid Work 
The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a substantial part of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of twelve days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.
 
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.