Title: Research Specialist
Position Locations: Center for Social Research
Position Descriptions: Full time
Responsibilities:
The Center for Social Research is an interdisciplinary applied research center that conducts social and economic impact assessments, program evaluations, and demographic and economic indicator projects through grants and contracted services. The Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics is recognized for excellence in economic impact analysis, teaching, research, and outreach, with research strengths in agribusiness, agricultural policy, international trade, risk management, and economic impact analysis.
The Center for Social Research (CSR) and the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics are seeking a Research Specialist to conduct economic impact and contribution assessments and support a variety of interdisciplinary applied research projects. This position is responsible for collecting and analyzing primary and secondary data using quantitative and qualitative methods, collaborating with study sponsors, industry partners, and stakeholders to develop research methodologies, and delivering actionable findings.
The successful candidate will possess demonstrated expertise in regional economics, including input-output modeling, economic and fiscal data analysis, and the use of software such as IMPLAN, Excel, SAS, SPSS, R, or similar analytical tools. Candidates should know, or have a strong interest in learning about, North Dakota’s social, economic, and demographic conditions, including key industries such as agriculture, energy, tourism, recreation, and higher education.
Responsibilities also include interpreting research results, preparing reports and outreach materials, communicating findings to diverse audiences, and contributing effectively as part of a collaborative research team while meeting project deadlines. This position is funded through grant and contract resources.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Regional Science, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Data Management, Community or Economic Development, or related field.
Demonstrated skills in applied research, data collection, data management, data analysis and interpretation, data visualizations and preparation of report documents and other project deliverables.
Expertise with various data analysis packages such as IMPLAN, Excel, SPSS, SAS, R and data processing software such as Word and PowerPoint.
Effective oral and written communications skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience using in input-output modeling.
One or more years’ experience in applied research; preferably in a grant/contract funded research environment.
Demonstrated capabilities with data analytics software such as IMPLAN, SAS and R.
Experience with data visualization software such as Power BI or Tableau
Knowledge of federal and state statistical sources such as U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, etc.
Ability to tailor oral and written content to a variety of audiences
Familiar with North Dakota and regional social and socio-economic conditions and considerations and willingness to stay abreast and be knowledgeable of current affairs affecting the state.
Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and interact with study sponsors, state and community leaders, and others to facilitate project planning and development of research methods, data collection processes and delivery of research findings and implications.
Direct and assist in grant writing and reporting.
Minor degree or some experience in business, finance, or economics.
Salary: $52,000-65,000 DOE
Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.
Application: Cover letter (Please address qualifications required to successfully complete the job.)
Resume or curriculum vitae
Three references, including contact information
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
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100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
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Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
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Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
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Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
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Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
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Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
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Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
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Supportive work-life balance
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Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
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50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
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Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
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Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
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Supplemental Retirement Plans
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].
