Research Associate 3, 4, or 5

Louisiana State University; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University’s Center for Energy Studies seeks a Research Associate to support data-driven energy research and analysis. The role focuses on managing energy databases from national/state sources, conducting econometric analyses, and building interactive data visualizations and web applications for Act 727 data dissemination.

The position involves collaboration with faculty and external partners, handling data quality, and ensuring security and accessibility of energy datasets.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor’s degree in a related field with two years of related experience.
• Proficiency with Stata, SQL, Python, R, or SAS.
• Experience with energy datasets and data visualization is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain energy databases integrating data from Louisiana SONRIS, EIA, and other sources.
• Perform econometric analyses of energy markets and forecast models.
• Develop interactive web-based data applications and dashboards.
• Collaborate on Gulf Coast Energy Outlook, white papers, and policy studies.
• Maintain technical systems using Stata and R.
• Coordinate with Louisiana state energy agencies on data initiatives.

Skills

Stata

R

SQL

Python

SAS

Data visualization

Web application development

Econometrics

Energy economics

Education

Master’s degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in related field with 2 years experience

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Job Title

Research Associate 3, 4, or 5

Position Type

Other Academic

Department

LSUAM ORED - Center for Energy Studies (Gregory Brian Upton Jr. (00009417))

Work Location

1067 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

Pay Grade

Pay Grade:

Job Description

This position provides support for the Center for Energy Studies' data‑driven research and analysis activities, combining experience in energy economics, statistical modeling, database management, and web application development. The Research Associate will manage energy databases from national and state database systems (SONRIS, EPA, EIA, etc.), conduct econometric analysis, develop interactive data visualizations and support web applications development and Act 727 implementation for state energy data dissemination.

Responsibilities – Research Associate 3

• Under the instruction of a supervisor, work to design, develop, and maintain energy databases integrating data from Louisiana SONRIS, EIA, and other federal and state sources. Assist in build and optimizing database structures, ETL pipelines, and automated data processing workflows. Perform data quality control, validation, and documentation. Support Act 727 implementation for Louisiana energy data repository. Ensure data accessibility, security, and compliance with standards. (30%)
• As instructed under the supervision of a supervisor: conduct statistical analyses of energy markets, production trends, infrastructure development, and employment pattern. Apply econometric methods including regression analysis, time series modeling, and forecasting techniques. Help develop predictive models for energy production, drilling activity, and market behavior. Perform hypothesis testing, sensitivity analyses, and scenario modeling. Support economic impact assessments and cost‑benefit analyses. (20%)
• Support the development of interactive web‑based data applications, dashboards, and visualization platforms using modern frameworks and tools. (10%)
• Support research initiatives including Gulf Coast Energy Outlook, white papers, and policy studies. Conduct literature reviews, collect and validate data, and perform analyses at direction of faculty. Prepare data tables, statistical summaries, and visualizations for reports and publications. Contribute to methodology sections and technical documentation. Collaborate with faculty, research fellows, and external partners on interdisciplinary projects. (10%)
• Work with supervisor to maintain technical systems using programming languages including Stata and R. (10%)
• Coordinate with state agencies (Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy) on data initiatives. Document data sources, methodologies, and system architectures. Provide technical support for data users and stakeholders if required. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Responsibilities – Research Associate 4

• Partner with leadership to work to design, develop, and maintain energy databases integrating data from Louisiana SONRIS, EIA, and other federal and state sources. Assist in building and optimizing database structures, ETL pipelines, and automated data processing workflows. Perform data quality control, validation, and documentation. Support Act 727 implementation for Louisiana energy data repository. Ensure data accessibility, security, and compliance with standards. (30%)
• Work with leadership to conduct statistical analyses of energy markets, production trends, infrastructure development, and employment pattern. Apply econometric methods including regression analysis, time series modeling, and forecasting techniques. Help develop predictive models for energy production, drilling activity, and market behavior. Perform hypothesis testing, sensitivity analyses, and scenario modeling. Support economic impact assessments and cost‑benefit analyses. (20%)
• Support the development of interactive web‑based data applications, dashboards, and visualization platforms using modern frameworks and tools. (10%)
• Support research initiatives including Gulf Coast Energy Outlook, white papers, and policy studies. Conduct literature reviews, collect and validate data, and perform analyses at direction of faculty. Prepare data tables, statistical summaries, and visualizations for reports and publications. Contribute to methodology sections and technical documentation. Collaborate with faculty, research fellows, and external partners on interdisciplinary projects. (10%)
• Work with leadership to maintain technical systems using programming languages including Stata and R. (10%)
• Coordinate with state agencies (Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy) on data initiatives. Document data sources, methodologies, and system architectures. Provide technical support for data users and stakeholders if required. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Responsibilities – Research Associate 5

• Design, develop, and maintain energy databases integrating data from Louisiana SONRIS, EIA, and other federal and state sources. Build and optimize database structures, ETL pipelines, and automated data processing workflows. Perform data quality control, validation, and documentation. Support Act 727 implementation for Louisiana energy data repository. Ensure data accessibility, security, and compliance with standards. (30%)
• Conduct statistical analyses of energy markets, production trends, infrastructure development, and employment pattern. Apply econometric methods including regression analysis, time series modeling, and forecasting techniques. Develop predictive models for energy production, drilling activity, and market behavior. Perform hypothesis testing, sensitivity analyses, and scenario modeling. Support economic impact assessments and cost‑benefit analyses. (20%)
• Develop interactive web‑based data applications, dashboards, and visualization platforms using modern frameworks and tools. (10%)
• Lead research initiatives including Gulf Coast Energy Outlook, write papers, and policy studies. Lead literature reviews, collect and validate data, and perform analyses at direction of faculty. Prepare data tables, statistical summaries, and visualizations for reports and publications. Contribute to methodology sections and technical documentation. Collaborate with faculty, research fellows, and external partners on interdisciplinary projects. (10%)
• Maintain technical systems using programming languages including Stata and R. (10%)
• Coordinate with state agencies (Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy) on data initiatives. Document data sources, methodologies, and system architectures. Provide technical support for data users and stakeholders if required. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications – Research Associate 3

Master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of related experience in Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative field. Professional experience combining data analysis, statistical modeling, database management, and web application development. Demonstrated proficiency with one or more programming and scripting languages such as Stata, SQL, Python, R, or SAS. Experience working with energy or government datasets. Skills in data visualization and dashboard development. Knowledge of econometric methods and statistical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications – Research Associate 3

Master's Degree and one year of related experience in Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative field. Experience with energy data; knowledge in energy economics and energy markets; proficiency in programming languages (R, Stata, SQL, JavaScript); experience with web application frameworks (Shiny, React or similar); experience in data visualization platforms (Excel, Tableau, PowerBI); experience with econometric modeling and time series analysis; knowledge of Louisiana and Gulf Coast energy sector; experience with GIS and spatial analysis; familiarity with cloud platforms and modern data architectures; experience coordinating with government agencies on data initiatives; publication or technical report writing experience. Professional certifications in data analytics or database management.

Minimum Qualifications – Research Associate 4

Master’s degree in a related field and two years of related experience or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of related experience in Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or closely related quantitative field. Professional experience combining data analysis, statistical modeling, database management, and web application development. Demonstrated proficiency with one or more programming and scripting languages such as Stata, SQL, Python, R, or SAS. Experience working with energy or government datasets. Skills in data visualization and dashboard development. Knowledge of econometric methods and statistical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications – Research Associate 4

Master's Degree and more than two years experience in Economics, Applied Economics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related quantitative field with strong programming emphasis. Experience with energy data; knowledge in energy economics and energy markets; proficiency in programming languages (R, Stata, SQL, JavaScript); experience with web application frameworks (Shiny, React or similar); experience in data visualization platforms (Excel, Tableau, PowerBI); experience with econometric modeling and time series analysis; knowledge of Louisiana and Gulf Coast energy sector; experience with GIS and spatial analysis; familiarity with cloud platforms and modern data architectures; experience coordinating with government agencies on data initiatives; publication or technical report writing experience. Professional certifications in data analytics or database management.

Minimum Qualifications – Research Associate 5

Bachelor’s degree and six years of related experience OR a master’s degree and two years of related experience OR a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or closely related quantitative field. Professional experience combining data analysis, statistical modeling, database management, and web application development. Demonstrated proficiency with one or more programming and scripting languages such as Stata, SQL, Python, R, or SAS. Experience working with energy or government datasets. Skills in data visualization and dashboard development. Knowledge of econometric methods and statistical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications – Research Associate 5

Ph.D in Economics, Applied Economics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related quantitative field with strong programming emphasis. Experience with energy data; knowledge in energy economics and energy markets; proficiency in programming languages (R, Stata, SQL, JavaScript); experience with web application frameworks (Shiny, React or similar); experience in data visualization platforms (Excel, Tableau, PowerBI); experience with econometric modeling and time series analysis; knowledge of Louisiana and Gulf Coast energy sector; experience with GIS and spatial analysis; familiarity with cloud platforms and modern data architectures; experience coordinating with government agencies on data initiatives; publication or technical report writing experience. Professional certifications in data analytics or database management.

Additional Information

Physical ability and eye‑hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, copier, telephone, and other standard office equipment; ability to sit in the same position for extended periods (5.5+ hours a day) at a time using continuous hand motions when entering data into the computer system.

Background Check

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre‑employment background check.

Benefits

• LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Equal Opportunity Employer

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

About LSU

LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide‑range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land‑, sea‑ and space‑grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher‑scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world‑class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.