Senior Economist (Ottawa (Downtown), ON, CA)

Senior Economist

Take a central role

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 center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment. 

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.  

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers:  Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process. 

In addition to the position being staffed, this competition may be used to fill similar opportunities (Regular or Term) that become available at the same job grade. If you’re interested in this type of role, we encourage you to apply.

Did you know?  

The Currency Department helps ensure that Canadians continue to have confidence in, and access to, bank notes. Within Currency Policy and Research (CPR), we conduct research and policy analysis on cash use, payment behaviour, payment and cash system developments, financial inclusion and other issues affecting the future role of cash in Canada. 

Our work combines survey design, applied microeconomic analysis, policy development, stakeholder engagement and publishable research to provide evidence-based advice to Bank management and external partners. This work supports flagship initiatives including the Methods-of-Payment Survey (MOP), the Cost of Payments Study and broader research on cash usage and payment choice in Canada. 

What you will do  

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Currency Policy and Research, you will contribute to the Bank's research and policy work relating to cash, payments and consumer payment behaviour. 

Specifically, you will:

• Lead and conduct empirical research on cash use, payment choice, consumer behaviour and payment-system developments in Canada.  
• Own key research workstreams for the Bank’s Methods-of-Payment Survey program, including survey design, data strategy, analysis, estimation and dissemination of findings to support evidence-based advice on cash use and payment behaviour.
• Analyze household, survey and other microdata using advanced quantitative and econometric techniques.
• Support the Cost of Payments Study, including research design, data collection initiatives, analysis and estimation work.
• Produce high-quality reports, briefing notes, presentations and policy recommendations for senior management.
• Translate research findings into operational and policy advice related to currency, cash accessibility and payment-system developments.
• Prepare research papers and contribute to the publication and dissemination of Bank research.
• Present findings to internal and external audiences, including conferences, workshops and stakeholder forums.
• Collaborate with researchers, analysts, survey specialists, external research firms and academic partners.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff and research assistants.
• Respond to requests for analysis and advice from senior management and internal partners. 

What you need to succeed 

To succeed in this role, you will bring significant experience conducting applied economic research, including analyzing survey data or microdata and applying econometric and statistical methods to policy or research questions. You will be comfortable translating complex data and research findings into clear, high-quality analytical products for senior decision makers. 

You will also have strong quantitative and econometric skills, along with proficiency using statistical software and data-analysis tools. Strong writing, presentation and communication skills will be important, as you will be expected to explain complex analytical findings clearly to a range of audiences. 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, analytical thinking and initiative, while working collaboratively and building strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams. You will be results-oriented and able to influence through clear, evidence-based communication. 

Nice-to-have  

A combination of one or more of the following would be considered an asset:

• Research experience in payments, cash demand, consumer finance, financial inclusion or payment-system developments.
• Experience designing and managing surveys.
• Experience working with large-scale administrative, transactional or payments-related datasets.
• Experience using agentic AI to complete research projects.  
• Publication record in peer-reviewed or practitioner-oriented journals.
• Experience working with external stakeholders, academics or market-research firms. 

Your education and experience 

The position requires a PhD in Economics, Econometrics, Finance, or a related quantitative discipline or a master’s degree with four years of relevant experience.  

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. 

Language requirement

The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French. Although the position language requirement is English or French essential, we do encourage everyone to improve their second language proficiency for future career growth and to contribute towards fostering a bilingual environment.

What you need to know

• • Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
  • Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Reliability 
  • There will be no relocation assistance provided
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available. 

Hybrid Work Model

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 portion 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 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.  

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. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider. 

• • Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $111,051 to $130,649 (job grade 17)
  • The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
  • Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health and dental coverage that meets your needs
  • Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
  • Option to join the indexed, defined-benefit pension plan after 24 consecutive months of service

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.