Research Analyst Job Duluth area,Minnesota USA,Business

Priority Deadline

Note:

The application review will begin on 5/28/2026

Job Title: Research Analyst
Department: Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER)
Location: UMD Campus, Duluth, MN (In-Person)
Appointment: 0.75 – 1.0 FTE (30–40 hours per week), Civil Service
Term: One-year initial appointment with potential for extension.
Reports To: BBER Director

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $40,000 – $50,000 (commensurate with skills, experience, and final FTE).
Benefits:
Eligible for the University of Minnesota’s full professional benefits package (medical, dental, retirement, and tuition benefits).

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview

The BBER Research Analyst supports data-driven research projects and manages the administrative lifecycle of BBER initiatives. This role requires high proficiency in technical writing and economic modeling. The Analyst provides work direction to Undergraduate Research Assistants (UGRAs) and serves as a collegiate resource for applied AI integration in everyday workflows of LSBE faculty and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Research, Modeling & Analysis (30%)

Conduct end-to-end economic and demographic research for public and private sector clients.
Utilize specialized software (IMPLAN, ESRI, Placer.ai, SPSS) to perform impact modeling and statistical analysis.
Navigate and extract data from complex public databases (Census, BLS, DEED).
Maintain rigorous standards for data integrity and unbiased research.
Use generative AI tools to streamline research tasks, such as writing code for data cleaning, summarizing literature, or automating data formatting, ensuring all outputs meet strict standards for accuracy and ethics.
Act as a lead writer for BBER client reports, ensuring academic rigor and professional tone.
Draft blog posts and press releases to communicate research findings to the media and the community.
Design and produce professional charts, maps, and infographics that communicate complex information in an accessible format.
Review student-generated content for technical accuracy and clarity.
Monitor, review, and update BBER website content and upload final reports to the U of M Digital Conservancy.
Schedule project meetings, draft agendas, and record/distribute meeting minutes.
Manage project workflows, ensuring all milestones are met from kickoff to final delivery. Maintain records and assist with preparation of reports on program outcomes and impacts.
Delegate tasks, provide training on BBER protocols, and mentor students on professional writing and data visualization standards.
Serve as liaison between UGRAs, clients/community partners, and BBER director, keeping all stakeholders informed of project needs.
Act as a resource for LSBE faculty and staff regarding the use of AI in teaching, research, and workflow improvements.
Develop brief internal guides or lead occasional "lunch and learn" sessions for faculty/staff on specific AI applications for teaching, research, and workflow improvements.

Note that the workload mix may change based on the appointment FTE.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Proven ability to manage project timelines, meet deadlines, and coordinate administrative tasks (agendas, minutes, scheduling).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience drafting formal research reports, academic papers, or technical memos.
Experience writing web articles, press releases, or content that translates data for a general audience.
Familiarity with public data sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and MN DEED.
Experience with one or more of the following software programs: IMPLAN (Input-Output modeling), ESRI Business Analyst Online, Placer.ai (Foot traffic/location analytics), SPSS or similar statistical software.
Knowledge of how to leverage AI tools for data cleaning, research assistance, or drafting while…