Research Analyst

Company Overview

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.

• Position:
  Research Analyst
• Location:
  
  North Carolina, US
• Contract:
  
  Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Posting Open Date: 08/19/2026
• Final date to receive applications: 09/02/2026
• Position Number:
• Vacancy
• Proposed
  
  Start Date:
  
  09/28/2026

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 is seeking a Research Analyst to support both academic and translational research initiatives in collaboration with Kenan Institute experts, including the Executive Director, research faculty, economists and staff. The Research Analyst will also work closely with the Institute's Research Initiatives team on Institute-led data and research projects, including the North Carolina economic Forecasting Initiative and the American Growth Project, a place-based economic forecasting initiative.

• 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 the continued availability of funding.

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Must have familiarity with statistical software such as STATA, SPSS, SAS, etc.

Two years of relevant work experience or a master's degree preferred.

• Familiarity with database structures and querying a plus.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Experience with data visualization packages, such as Tableau or PowerBI, 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.