Research Assistant Professor (Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise

Posting Information

Department:
Kenan Institute of Private Ent - 331600

Posting Open Date: 08/17/2026

Final date to receive applications: 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

Full-time/Part-time:
Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week: 40

FTE: 1

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Proposed

Start Date:

11/02/2026

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.

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.

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 work streams, economic indicator development, forecast production support, applied economic interpretation, written research products, and stakeholder-facing analysis.

The Research Assistant Professor will work…