Research Associate - Regional Economic Development

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Associate with a strong background in economics, advanced data analysis, and regional economic development to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful research that supports the development of evidence-based policies and strategies for economic growth across the state. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $55,000 to $65,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. External funding is available for one year, with possibility of extension. 

Complete Job Description

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Economics. 
• At least 2-3 years of professional experience in economic research, regional economic development, or a related field.
• Extensive working knowledge and hands-on experience with Lightcast, IMPLAN Tableau and economic modeling techniques.
• Strong proficiency in Stata and Python for data analysis.
• Practical experience conducting bibliometric analysis and utilizing econometric techniques to analyze economic trends and impacts.
• Deep understanding of the Maine economy, including its key industries (e.g., tourism, manufacturing, natural resources, healthcare, etc.), demographic trends, and regional economic disparities.
• Familiarity with regional labor market analysis, and policy impact assessments.
• Excellent data visualization skills, with the ability to translate complex economic data into clear, digestible reports and visualizations.
• Experience of behavioral economic experiments.
• Knowledge of AI research areas.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present research findings to diverse audiences (including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public).

Preferred:

• Experience working with economic development agencies or regional planning organizations.
• Knowledge of other software such as GIS packages.
• Familiarity with Maine-specific economic development initiatives, resources, and organizations.

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on April 24, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Andrew Crawley at andrew.crawley@maine.edu.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

  Clery Act 
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.