Lead Economist, EBRC

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management seeks a Lead Economist to join the Economic and Business Research Center (EBRC). The role focuses on leading externally funded economic research projects and delivering analyses for clients and policymakers.

Work involves applying econometric methods with tools like R, SAS, STATA, and EViews, while expanding EBRC initiatives such as the MAP Dashboard and Forecasting Project. The position offers autonomy and visible impact in Arizona.

Qualifications

• Masters degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Responsibilities

• Funded Project Development and Acquisition: identify and pursue external funding opportunities, develop proposals and budgets, and manage client relationships.
• Economic Research and Analysis: lead funded projects using regional impact tools and econometric methods; deliver analyses and write reports for clients and the public.
• Contribution to EBRC Core Projects: support MAP Dashboard and Forecasting Project, data collection, model support, and client deliverables.
• Presentations and Client Communication: present results to clients and officials and translate complex concepts for non-specialists.

Skills

Econometric analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Multi-project handling

Education

Master's degree in Economics, Applied Economics, or related field

Tools

R

SAS

STATA

EViews

IMPLAN

REMI

Job description

Department Website Link https://eller.arizona.edu/departments-research/centers-labs/economic-business-research

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona is seeking aLead Economist to join Economic and Business Research Center (EBRC) team. This position will work closely with the EBRC Director to identify, pursue, and secure externally funded economic research projects.

The position will independently lead and manage funded projects, contribute to ongoing EBRC initiatives such as the Making Action Possible (MAP) Dashboard and the Forecasting Project, and produce economic analyses and publications that serve clients, policymakers, and the broader public.

This is a high-visibility position within EBRC, which is the premiere source of information on the Arizona economy. The successful candidate will play a role in helping grow EBRC's funded research portfolio while contributing to flagship public-facing products. The position offers autonomy in project development and the opportunity for professional impact within Arizona. The EBRC is the go-to source for trusted, forward-looking economic analysis across Arizona, and it’s recognized for its cutting-edge digital tools including intuitive websites and a dedicated smartphone app.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

Duties & Responsibilities

Funded Project Development and Acquisition

• In collaboration with the EBRC Director, actively identify and pursue external funding opportunities including grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with government agencies, foundations, and private clients. Develop proposals, scopes of work, and budgets in coordination with the EBRC Director. Build and maintain relationships with potential clients and funders in Arizona and the broader region.Funded Project Development and Acquisition

Economic Research and Analysis

• Lead and execute funded economic research projects using regional economic impact and forecasting tools including IMPLAN and/or REMI. Apply econometric methods and statistical software (EViews, R, or equivalent) to analyze economic trends, impacts, and policy questions. Deliver high-quality analyses appropriate to client and project specifications. Write reports, briefs, and other publications communicating economic findings to clients and the public.

Contribution to EBRC Core Projects

• Assist with ongoing EBRC initiatives, including revitalizing the Arizona-Mexico Indicators Project, assist the EBRC Director with expanding the MAP Dashboard, and support the Forecasting Project efforts. Responsibilities may include data collection and validation, model support, analysis, and preparation of client deliverables and online materials, presentations and development of processes to streamline workflow.

Presentations, and Client Communication

• Occasionally present results to clients, government officials, community stakeholders, and at professional conferences. Translate complex economic concepts for non-specialist audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with R, SAS, STATA and/or EViews for econometric analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet client deadlines.
• Knowledge updating websites, online content creation, and familiarity with Adobe or similar design software

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Economics, Applied Economics, or a closely related field; and five (5) years of professional experience conducting applied economic research projects, including demonstrated experience with external funding acquisition.
• Experience with identifying, pursuing, and securing externally funded economic research projects, including grants and contracts.
• Demonstrated experience using IMPLAN and/or REMI for regional economic impact modeling.
• Experience with producing policy-relevant reports and presentations.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 10

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .

Career Stream and Level PC3

Job Family Research & Data Analysis

Job Function Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 8/17/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Jennifer Pullen,
[e-mail]

Open Date 8/3/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].