Operations Research Analyst Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Department Kenan Institute of Private Ent-331600 Career Area Research Professionals Posting Open Date 06/16/2026 Application Deadline 06/30/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Research Analyst Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20059637 Vacancy ID NF0009826 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $70,000 - $79,000 Proposed Start Date 08/03/2026

Be a Tar Heel! 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 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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

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 Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/320711

Department Contact Name and Title Mayra Reyes Department Contact Telephone or Email mayra_reyes@kenan-flagler.unc.edu Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement