Posting Information

Department

Kenan Institute of Private Ent-331600

Career Area

Research Professionals

Posting Open Date

10/26/2026

Application Deadline

11/09/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Position Type

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title

Research Analyst

Appointment Type

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number

20059637

Vacancy ID

NF0010139

Full Time/Part Time

Full-Time Permanent

FTE

1

Hours per week

40

Position Location

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range

Proposed Start Date

12/07/2026

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 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

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

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