The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is launching PFMAP, a program to provide a week of interaction, feedback, and mentoring to a small group of advanced Ph.D. candidates the week of Monday, September 18, 2023 – Friday, September 22, 2023. 

Program Information

PFMAP is a new program intended to introduce Ph.D. candidates to the vibrant research life at the Philadelphia Fed and provide additional mentorship opportunities for participants. Participants will present, discuss, and receive feedback on research throughout the week. We will also match participants to mentors at the Philadelphia Fed and provide additional opportunities to network with researchers at and associated with the Philadelphia Fed. The week culminates on Friday with the Macroeconomics Across Time and Space Conference, to which participants are invited. 

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is committed to attracting and developing diverse talent in the economics pipeline: 

  • We particularly encourage submissions from applicants whose demographic, education, or other background factors would increase representation in economics and finance.
  • We also welcome candidates researching topics related to economic mobility, heterogeneity in economic outcomes, or experiences across groups.

We recognize the benefit derived from diverse perspectives and look to foster this when reviewing candidates.

We will consider U.S.-based Ph.D. candidates working on applied macroeconomics or applied microeconomics. We will consider other applicants to the extent that our mentors have relevant expertise. PFMAP covers the costs of car travel (up to 250 miles distance) or equivalent public transportation and provides lodging. PFMAP will also provide meals.

Application Procedure

Email the following application materials to PFMAP at Phil.econ.map@phil.frb.org by July 31, 2023:

  • Vita
  • A draft research paper — for example, work from a future dissertation (even if preliminary) or a strong third-year paper
  • A brief statement describing how the program would benefit you and contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the economics program 
  • A brief statement of support from an adviser or committee member, emailed from that adviser or committee member to Phil.econ.map@phil.frb.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Must I be an official Ph.D. candidate to participate?
    The definition of Ph.D. candidate varies across universities. Participants need not officially be advanced to candidacy but should be at the dissertation stage of their graduate career. (They should have research ready to present during PFMAP.) 
  2. Do I have to be able to attend the PFMAP week in person, and do I need to be there for the entire week?
    Yes, PFMAP is intended to function in person. Barring extenuating circumstances, you should plan to attend all program events.
  3. Do I need to live in Philadelphia? 
    No, the stipend you will receive is intended to cover driving or train costs to travel to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and stay in nearby lodging.
  4. Should I apply? Is this program targeting me?
    If you think you would benefit from this program, you should apply. While we intend for this program to primarily benefit graduate students in the Third District (Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) who would particularly benefit from our mentorship, we are considering all applicants.
  5. What subject areas do the potential mentors cover? How can I find out whether I would be a potential match to a mentor?
    We invite you to browse the profiles of our Ph.D. economists to gauge the breadth of topics covered at the Bank. You can find these profiles at Economists (philadelphiafed.org). However, due to possibly competing commitments, we cannot consider specific match requests. If you are in doubt, we encourage you to apply.
  6. How many participants will there be?
    We are targeting six participants in our initial program year.
  7. If I have questions not listed here, who should I contact?
    Please email us at Phil.econ.map@phil.frb.org with any additional questions.

Program Organizers