Research Specialist

Description & Details: The Center for Social Research (CSR) is an interdisciplinary applied research center supported by grants and contracted services. The Center performs a wide range of social and socio-economic impact assessments, program evaluations, and curates a social, economic, and demographic indicator project. Center capabilities are broad and flexible to enable Center staff to respond to the state's ever-changing research needs. The Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics has developed strong regional support for the excellence of its teaching, research, and outreach programs. Department research efforts include risk and trading, agribusiness, agriculture policy, international trade, and economic impact and contribution assessment. The CSR and the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics is looking for a Research Specialist to conduct economic impact and contribution assessments and other interdisciplinary applied research. Activities include primary and secondary data collection efforts using various quantitative and qualitative methods. The position requires interactions with study sponsors, industry partners, and other constituents to design data collection, develop methodologies, and deliver study findings. Candidates should be proficient and have demonstrated skills in regional economics, specifically input-output modeling; extracting appropriate economic and fiscal data from local, state, and federal agencies; and the use of data analysis tools such as IMPLAN, Excel, SAS, SPSS, R or other appropriate data analysis and management tools. Candidates should be familiar with North Dakota and regional social and socio-economic conditions and considerations such as agriculture, energy industries, tourism, recreation, higher education, and other key economic drivers of North Dakota's state economy. Candidates should have a working knowledge and understanding of the state's export base, economic drivers in the state such as the agriculture and energy industries and emerging industries and factors affecting the state's key industries. In addition to data collection and analysis, the Research Specialist will interpret results and prepare written documents and outreach materials to communicate results to projects sponsors and other constituent groups. The Research Specialist should be able to perform all duties within expected time frames and work harmoniously and productively with other members of the research team. The position is funded solely by grant and contract funds. Work Schedule: 8:00 AM-5:PM M-F Hiring Range: $48,000 - $60,000 Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations. Minimum Qualifications: * Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Regional Economics, Regional Science, Community or Economic Development or related field. * Demonstrated skills in applied research, data collection, data management, data analysis and interpretation, and preparation of report documents and other project deliverables. * Demonstrated expertise with Input-Output analysis and modeling software, specifically IMPLAN and other models as appropriate. * Expertise with various data analysis packages such as Excel, SPSS, SAS, R and data processing software such as Word and PowerPoint. * Effective oral and written communications skills. Preferred Qualifications: * PhD in an appropriate discipline. * One or more years' experience in applied research; specifically related to economic impact and contribution assessment preferably in a grant/contract funded research environment. * Demonstrated capabilities and capacity to conduct input-output analysis. * 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, Job Service North Dakota, USDA-ERS, USDA-NASS and other data sources as appropriate - and the ability to extract appropriate data from local, state, and federal agencies. * Experience in development of research methods. * Ability to tailor oral and written content to a variety of audiences. * Knowledgeable about North Dakota and regional social and socio-economic conditions. * Familiarity with agriculture, energy industries, tourism, recreation, higher education, and other key economic drivers of North Dakota's state economy. Working knowledge and understanding of the state's export base, economic drivers in the state such as the agriculture and energy industries, emerging industries, and factors affecting the state's key industries. * 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. Applicant Materials Required: Cover letter (Please address qualifications required to successfully complete the job.) Resume or curriculum vitae Three references, including contact information NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS! Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits: * Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan * Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account * Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire * Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation * Superb Retirement Plan * Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position * Basic Term Life Insurance * Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year) * Tuition Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver) * Paid Leave - including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays * Employee Assistance Program * Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans * More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU 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, . 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 .

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