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Economic Research Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Perform statistical analysis and econometric modeling to understand economic trends and evaluate ... You will assist with writing white papers, Kenan Insights and commentaries, policy briefs, and ...

The Institute for Private Capital (IPC), part of UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School, seeks a Research Associate to assist with data and research tasks in the field of financial economics ...

Research Technician - Journey

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... optimal yields and economic return while safeguarding soil health and soil organic matter ... In this role, you will contribute to the scientific perspective of our efforts, assist with data ...

... economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the ... Communicate processes, results, and challenges to supervisors and management teams * Assist in ...

Defined Contribution Associate II

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

... * Assist with asset class, industry, and economic research related to defined contribution * May perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: * Completion of a four-year ...

Research Technician - Horticultural Science

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... economic vitality, and improving the quality of life for individuals and their communities ... Manufacture and deliver mulch as part of campus closed loop initiative (2500 yards). * Assist JCRA ...

Defined Contribution Associate II

Raleigh, NC

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

... * Assist with asset class, industry, and economic research related to defined contribution * May perform other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: * Completion of a four-year college degree ...

... * Assist with asset class, industry, and economic research related to defined contribution * May perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: * Completion of a four-year ...

... * Assist with asset class, industry, and economic research related to defined contribution * May perform other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: * Completion of a four-year college degree ...

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Economic Research Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10.7K

$101K

$224.1K

How much do economic research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic research assistant in Raleigh, NC is $101,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $106,400.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Economic Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Economic Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Economic Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Research Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, and 89% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,048 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor (Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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 Hiring Range 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
It is preferred that the successful candidate will possess:
- 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 Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions
Applicants may view the job posting and follow the application process to be considered at: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323916.
Applicants should submit a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, and Writing/Research Sample. At the time of hire, the selected applicant should be prepared to arrange submission of two (2) signed letters of recommendation, on institutional letterhead, from individuals not affiliated with the Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323916
Department Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Rebecca Mormino, Associate Director of Research Engagement Department Contact Telephone or Email Rebecca_Mormino@kenan-flagler.unc.edu Academic Personnel Office Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.
Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status. 
If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.
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.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

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Year founded

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