Research Analyst

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

1. 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.

2. Writing & Data Visualization (30%)

• 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.

3. Project Management & Mentorship (20%)

• 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

4. LSBE Innovation Support (20%)

• 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.

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 maintaining data integrity and University standards.
• Familiarity with the use of agentic AI for workflow improvements and a strong desire to learn and implement new generative AI capabilities.
• Experience using techniques/tools to create impactful visual representations of complex data.
• Experience in a lead or mentorship role, including reviewing the work of others for accuracy.

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) is an applied research arm of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at UMD. The BBER has been in official existence since 1970s, though it began with the Duluth Business Index in the early 1960s. The BBER has become a respected go-to resource for unbiased research and analyses, and directors have long been sought for media responses to current economic issues. Our services include economic impact modeling, survey research, demographic analysis, market research, and more.

Pay Range: $40,000 - $50,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% - 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required application materials: Resume and Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.