Research Analyst

Research Analyst

The Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is hiring a Research Analyst to provide research support on academic and translational research projects in collaborations with Kenan-Flagler faculty, the institute's Chief Economist, and Kenan Institute staff. This position will work collaboratively with the Institute's research services team on institute-led data projects including the North Carolina Economic Forecasting Initiative and American Growth Project, a place-based economic initiative.

Specific job duties include:

• Data analysis and modeling: Perform statistical analysis and econometric modeling to understand economic trends and evaluate policy outcomes. Identify, organize, and clean data using statistical software such as Stata, SAS, R, and Python among others.
• Research development: Conduct literature reviews on a broad set of economic and business topics in support of development of research papers, white papers, and reports.
• Team collaboration: Collaborate with fellow research analysts, economists, and other institutional stakeholders to scale-up the American Growth Project's regional economic indicators and related content. This will involve participating in brainstorming sessions, contributing to research design, and engaging in regular discussions to foster innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to economic analysis and community development.
• Knowledge dissemination: As a research analyst, you will be expected to effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences through both written and verbal communication. You will assist with writing white papers, Kenan Insights and commentaries, policy briefs, and other translational research materials.
• Project Management: Since this is a highly collaborative environment, as a research analyst you will be expected to effectively manage your components of projects, communicate project progress to team members and meet deadlines.

This position is contingent upon continued funding availability.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements - Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience - Bachelor's degree in economics, business, public policy, public administration, city and regional planning statistics, mathematics, or a related field. Must have familiarity with statistical software such as STATA, SPSS, SAS, etc.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience - Two years of relevant work experience or a master's degree preferred. Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Familiarity with database structures and querying a plus.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Experience with data visualization packages, such as Tableau, as well as spreadsheet/presentation software, including preparing summary charts, graphs, and tables.
• Enthusiasm for making persuasive, data-driven arguments.
• Ability to work with different stakeholders including both academic and business partners.
• Experience using project management software such as Jira or Monday.com is a plus.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements - 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.