1

Economic Research Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Economic Research and Analysis * Lead and execute funded economic research projects using regional ... Contribution to EBRC Core Projects * Assist with ongoing EBRC initiatives, including revitalizing ...

Lead Economist, EBRC

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$76 - $98/hr

Lead and execute funded economic research projects using regional economic impact and forecasting ... Contribution to EBRC Core Projects * Assist with ongoing EBRC initiatives, including revitalizing ...

Economic Research and Analysis * Lead and execute funded economic research projects using regional ... Contribution to EBRC Core Projects * Assist with ongoing EBRC initiatives, including revitalizing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Economic Research Assistant information

See Arizona salary details

$10.3K

$96.9K

$214.8K

How much do economic research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic research assistant in Arizona is $96,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic research assistant?

Economic Research Assistants are professionals who support economists and researchers by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting economic data. They assist in preparing reports, conducting literature reviews, managing databases, and sometimes performing statistical analyses using specialized software. Their work helps inform economic studies, policy development, and academic research by providing reliable and organized data. Economic Research Assistants are commonly employed in academic institutions, government agencies, think tanks, and private sector organizations.

What does an economic research assistant do?

An economic research assistant works alongside an economist or other social scientists. Your duties in this position may include conducting polls and interviews, researching through surveys and public records, and providing analysis for the lead economist to use for academic paper publications or reports. Depending on the job responsibilities, your duties may include tasks like data administration and using computer software to visualize and organize information. You may also use statistics and other forms of mathematics to analyze economic data.

How does an economic research assistant typically collaborate with economists and other team members during a research project?

Economic Research Assistants play a vital supporting role by gathering, organizing, and analyzing data under the guidance of economists and senior researchers. They frequently work as part of a collaborative team, attending meetings to discuss research objectives, methodologies, and preliminary findings. Their responsibilities often include preparing data visualizations, drafting literature reviews, and assisting with the creation of presentations or reports. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as they must ensure their work accurately supports the broader research goals of the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Research Assistant, you need a background in economics or related fields, strong quantitative and analytical abilities, and proficiency with statistical analysis. Familiarity with tools such as Stata, R, Excel, and data visualization platforms, as well as experience with database management, is usually required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately supporting research projects, interpreting complex data, and clearly presenting findings to inform decision-making.

What is the difference between Economic Research Assistant vs Data Analyst?

AspectEconomic Research AssistantData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, or related field; some roles prefer a Master'sBachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field; often requires data analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksCorporations, consulting firms, financial institutions
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in economic research, policy analysis, academiaBusiness analytics, market research, finance
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in economic research, entry-level research positionsAnalyzing data, business insights, decision-making support

The Economic Research Assistant and Data Analyst roles share similarities in requiring analytical skills and relevant degrees. However, Economic Research Assistants focus more on economic data, policy analysis, and research within academic or government settings, while Data Analysts often work across industries analyzing diverse datasets to inform business decisions.

What are popular job titles related to Economic Research Assistant jobs in Arizona?

For Economic Research Assistant jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Economic Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Economic Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Research Assistant job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,870 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Lead Economist, EBRC

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


University Of Arizona rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Lead Economist, EBRC
Posting Number
req26690
Department
Economic Business Research Ctr
Department Website Link
https://eller.arizona.edu/departments-research/centers-labs/economic-business-research
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona is seeking a Lead Economist to join Economic and Business Research Center (EBRC) team. This position will work closely with the EBRC Director to identify, pursue, and secure externally funded economic research projects.
The position will independently lead and manage funded projects, contribute to ongoing EBRC initiatives such as the Making Action Possible (MAP) Dashboard and the Forecasting Project, and produce economic analyses and publications that serve clients, policymakers, and the broader public.
This is a high-visibility position within EBRC, which is the premiere source of information on the Arizona economy. The successful candidate will play a role in helping grow EBRC's funded research portfolio while contributing to flagship public-facing products. The position offers autonomy in project development and the opportunity for professional impact within Arizona. The EBRC is the go-to source for trusted, forward-looking economic analysis across Arizona, and it's recognized for its cutting-edge digital tools including intuitive websites and a dedicated smartphone app.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Funded Project Development and Acquisition
  • In collaboration with the EBRC Director, actively identify and pursue external funding opportunities including grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with government agencies, foundations, and private clients. Develop proposals, scopes of work, and budgets in coordination with the EBRC Director. Build and maintain relationships with potential clients and funders in Arizona and the broader region.

Economic Research and Analysis
  • Lead and execute funded economic research projects using regional economic impact and forecasting tools including IMPLAN and/or REMI. Apply econometric methods and statistical software (EViews, R, or equivalent) to analyze economic trends, impacts, and policy questions. Deliver high-quality analyses appropriate to client and project specifications. Write reports, briefs, and other publications communicating economic findings to clients and the public.

Contribution to EBRC Core Projects
  • Assist with ongoing EBRC initiatives, including revitalizing the Arizona-Mexico Indicators Project, assist the EBRC Director with expanding the MAP Dashboard, and support the Forecasting Project efforts. Responsibilities may include data collection and validation, model support, analysis, and preparation of client deliverables and online materials, presentations and development of processes to streamline workflow.

Presentations, and Client Communication
  • Occasionally present results to clients, government officials, community stakeholders, and at professional conferences. Translate complex economic concepts for non-specialist audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Proficiency with R, SAS, STATA and/or EViews for econometric analysis.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet client deadlines.
  • Knowledge updating websites, online content creation, and familiarity with Adobe or similar design software

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Masters degree required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Economics, Applied Economics, or a closely related field; and five (5) years of professional experience conducting applied economic research projects, including demonstrated experience with external funding acquisition.
  • Experience with identifying, pursuing, and securing externally funded economic research projects, including grants and contracts.
  • Demonstrated experience using IMPLAN and/or REMI for regional economic impact modeling.
  • Experience with producing policy-relevant reports and presentations.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$75,540 - $98,201
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
10
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC3
Job Family
Research & Data Analysis
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
8/17/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Jennifer Pullen,
jkanipe@arizona.edu
Open Date
8/3/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

What University Of Arizona employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom