Research Assistant Professor (Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise)

Posting Information Department: Kenan Institute of Private Ent - 331600 Posting Open Date: 08/17/2026 Application Deadline: 08/31/2026 Open Until Filled: No Position Type: Permanent Faculty Working Title: Research Assistant Professor (Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise) Appointment Type: Fixed Term Faculty Vacancy ID: FAC0006056 Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Permanent Hours per week: 40

FTE: 1

Position Location: North Carolina, US Proposed Start Date: 11/02/2026 Position Information Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research, and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts, and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation, and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development, and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant, and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers, and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life, and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit Established in 1985 by Frank Hawkins Kenan, the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is a nonpartisan business policy think tank affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The nonprofit institute and its affiliated centers convene leaders from the private sector, academic community and government to build a greater understanding of how entrepreneurship, economic development and global commerce can work for the public good. The institute leverages best-in-class research to develop market-based solutions to today’s most complex economic challenges. In doing so, the institute aims to support businesses and policies that better the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world. Position Summary The Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise (the Institute) seeks a Research Assistant Professor with expertise in applied economics, economic forecasting, regional economics, labor economics, public policy, or a related field to contribute to the North Carolina Advanced Economic Forecasting Initiative. The faculty member will conduct and disseminate research that advances understanding of North Carolina’s county, regional, and state economies, with particular emphasis on economic forecasting, labor markets, workforce development, housing affordability, industry trends, population change, productivity, and other issues relevant to economic development and public policy. The successful candidate will develop and communicate economic forecasts and analytical products, produce scholarly and public-facing research, and translate complex economic data into actionable insights for policymakers, business leaders, community stakeholders, and the public. The faculty member will collaborate with Institute colleagues, faculty affiliates, research staff, students, and external partners to support evidence-based decision making and advance the Institute’s mission of connecting research to practice. The Research Assistant Professor will serve as a research economist for the North Carolina Advanced Economic Forecasting Initiative at the Institute, supporting the development, production, interpretation, and communication of county-level economic forecasts and related data products for all 100 North Carolina counties. The position carries economist-level responsibility for assigned forecasting workstreams, economic indicator development, forecast production support, applied economic interpretation, written research products, and stakeholder-facing analysis. The Research Assistant Professor will work under the direction of the Senior Research Economist and in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Director of Research Data Strategy and Analytics, data analysts, communications staff, faculty affiliates, and other Institute teams. The position will support the implementation of forecasting methods, evaluation of model performance, documentation of assumptions, preparation of forecast releases, and identification of emerging economic issues that require additional county-level analysis. The role will focus on applied economic research related to North Carolina’s county, regional and state economies, including topics such as GDP, employment, labor markets, workforce skills demand, housing affordability, industry trends, population change, productivity, business formation, and other indicators relevant to economic development and public policy. The Research Assistant Professor will exercise independent judgment in analyzing economic trends, explaining forecast movements, identifying data anomalies, and preparing written and presentation materials for both technical and nontechnical audiences. The successful candidate will bring strong quantitative, econometric, programming, writing and communication skills; experience working with economic and regional datasets; and the ability to help move the North Carolina Advanced Economic Forecasting Initiative from model development into a reliable recurring production, reporting, and stakeholder-support function. This position is contingent upon the continued availability of funding. Minimum Education And Experience Requirements The position requires a Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Economics, Financial Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience Experience developing, maintaining or improving forecasting models, nowcasts, economic indicators, dashboards or recurring data products. Experience with county-level, regional, state or local economic data. Experience with data sources such as BEA , BLS , Census, ACS , QCEW , LAUS , Haver, Lightcast, Zillow, Freddie Mac, state administrative data or similar sources. Experience analyzing GDP , employment, wages, productivity, industry trends, housing affordability, workforce skills, capital formation, business formation or other economic indicators. Experience producing written economic commentary, research briefs, dashboard narratives, policy memos, technical documentation, presentations or public-facing research products. Experience coordinating research pipelines, managing model update cycles, documenting procedures or training analysts on technical workflows. Familiarity with North Carolina's economy, regional differences, rural and urban economic development issues, workforce trends, housing markets or local government decision-making. Experience working in a university, think tank, government, policy, economic development, consulting, financial or applied research environment. Ability to balance technical rigor with practical usability for policymakers, economic developers, business leaders and community stakeholders. Special Physical/Mental Requirements Not Applicable. Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Department Contact Information Department Contact Name and Title: Rebecca Mormino, Associate Director of Research Engagement Department Contact Telephone or Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill