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Public Policy Research Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

UNC-Chapel Hill

Research Assistant

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$20/hr

Posting Information Department Health Policy and Management - 461001 Career Area Research ... A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the ...

The Hunt Institute

Policy & Impact Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$79.24 - $87.16/hr

Conduct and oversee project research, analysis, and reporting. * Assist in collaborative writing ... bettering of public education for all children. * Exceptional project management skills.

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Public Policy Research Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$27

$56

How much do public policy research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for public policy research assistant in Raleigh, NC is $27.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.36 and $32.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public policy research assistant do?

A Public Policy Research Assistant supports policy analysts and researchers by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing data related to public policies and government programs. Their responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, compiling statistics, preparing reports, and helping draft policy recommendations. They may also assist with organizing events, tracking legislative developments, and communicating findings to various stakeholders. This role is essential in ensuring research accuracy and providing foundational information for policy decisions.

What types of projects do public policy research assistants typically work on, and how do they contribute to policy development?

Public Policy Research Assistants often support projects such as legislative analysis, policy impact assessments, and stakeholder interviews. Their responsibilities may include gathering and synthesizing data, drafting reports, and preparing briefing materials for senior analysts or policymakers. By providing accurate research and clear summaries, they help inform decision-making and ensure that recommendations are evidence-based. Collaboration with team members, including policy analysts and external experts, is common, offering valuable exposure to the policy-making process and opportunities for professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public policy research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Policy Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and a background in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel, SPSS, or Stata), academic databases, and sometimes experience with survey platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, written communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for producing accurate, impactful research that informs effective policy recommendations and supports organizational goals.

What is the difference between Public Policy Research Assistant vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPublic Policy Research AssistantPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksGovernment agencies, consulting firms, advocacy organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily research-focused roles supporting policy developmentAnalyzing, developing, and recommending policies based on research

Public Policy Research Assistants typically support policy research through data collection and analysis, while Policy Analysts interpret research findings to develop policy recommendations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in related environments, but Policy Analysts tend to have more responsibility for policy formulation and strategic decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy Research jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Public Policy Research jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Policy Research Assistant jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

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

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

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

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

Public Policy Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Policy Research Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,864 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Research Assistant Professor (Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 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

314th of 622 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.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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