University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Senior Economist
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States, 70595
Position
Position Title : Senior Economist
Department : 9261|Kathleen B Blanco Public Policy Ctr
Responsibilities The Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Research Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is seeking a Senior Economist to lead cutting-edge, data-driven research that informs policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels. The Blanco Center is an independent, interdisciplinary research center and archive engaged in research across a range of topics in public policy. Our core policy areas of focus include education, poverty and economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, health and healthcare, the coast and environment, and governmental ethics.
Position Summary
The Senior Economist is a senior staff researcher who will lead economic research projects to inform policy, with an emphasis on the Blanco Center priority area of poverty and economic opportunity. The role also supports economic analysis across other focus Blanco Center priority areas of research.
The Senior Economist will serve as a thought leader within the Center, collaborating with internal and external partners, identifying new research opportunities, and securing grant funding. This position requires strong project management skills, technical expertise in applied economics, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable policy insights.
Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership
Lead the design and implementation of complex economic research projects aligned with grant objectives.
Develop and apply economic models to assess policy impacts across sectors (e.g., labor markets, energy, education, public health).
Conduct advanced econometric and statistical analyses using large datasets from government, academic, and proprietary sources.
Grant & Project Management
Serve as principal or co-principal investigator on grant-funded projects.
Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and compliance with sponsor requirements.
Identify grant and funding opportunities and lead proposal development in collaboration with other members of the senior staff.
Create detailed research plans, track milestones, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
Knowledge Translation & Engagement
Translate technical economic analysis into clear, actionable findings for non-technical audiences.
Prepare policy briefs, white papers, and public reports.
Present findings at conferences, legislative hearings, and community forums.
Represent the Center in meetings with external partners and research sponsors.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Economics or related field (Ph.D. preferred; may substitute for experience).
At least three years of related professional experience in applied economics research.
Preferred Qualifications:
Research experience in the Center’s policy focus areas.
Success in securing external research funding.
Familiarity with state and federal policy processes.
Skills, Abilities, Etc.
Proven ability to lead independent research projects.
Advanced skills in statistical or programming software (e.g., Stata, R).
Strong written and oral communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and self-motivation.
Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
High competency in project management.
Application Instructions Please submit:
Cover letter describing relevant experience and research interests.
Curriculum vitae.
Two writing samples (including at least one policy-oriented piece).
Contact information for three professional references.
Job Ad#
(req4343)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Department : 9261|Kathleen B Blanco Public Policy Ctr
Responsibilities The Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Research Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is seeking a Senior Economist to lead cutting-edge, data-driven research that informs policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels. The Blanco Center is an independent, interdisciplinary research center and archive engaged in research across a range of topics in public policy. Our core policy areas of focus include education, poverty and economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, health and healthcare, the coast and environment, and governmental ethics.
Position Summary
The Senior Economist is a senior staff researcher who will lead economic research projects to inform policy, with an emphasis on the Blanco Center priority area of poverty and economic opportunity. The role also supports economic analysis across other focus Blanco Center priority areas of research.
The Senior Economist will serve as a thought leader within the Center, collaborating with internal and external partners, identifying new research opportunities, and securing grant funding. This position requires strong project management skills, technical expertise in applied economics, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable policy insights.
Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership
Lead the design and implementation of complex economic research projects aligned with grant objectives.
Develop and apply economic models to assess policy impacts across sectors (e.g., labor markets, energy, education, public health).
Conduct advanced econometric and statistical analyses using large datasets from government, academic, and proprietary sources.
Grant & Project Management
Serve as principal or co-principal investigator on grant-funded projects.
Oversee project timelines, deliverables, and compliance with sponsor requirements.
Identify grant and funding opportunities and lead proposal development in collaboration with other members of the senior staff.
Create detailed research plans, track milestones, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
Knowledge Translation & Engagement
Translate technical economic analysis into clear, actionable findings for non-technical audiences.
Prepare policy briefs, white papers, and public reports.
Present findings at conferences, legislative hearings, and community forums.
Represent the Center in meetings with external partners and research sponsors.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Economics or related field (Ph.D. preferred; may substitute for experience).
At least three years of related professional experience in applied economics research.
Preferred Qualifications:
Research experience in the Center’s policy focus areas.
Success in securing external research funding.
Familiarity with state and federal policy processes.
Skills, Abilities, Etc.
Proven ability to lead independent research projects.
Advanced skills in statistical or programming software (e.g., Stata, R).
Strong written and oral communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and self-motivation.
Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
High competency in project management.
Application Instructions Please submit:
Cover letter describing relevant experience and research interests.
Curriculum vitae.
Two writing samples (including at least one policy-oriented piece).
Contact information for three professional references.
Job Ad#
(req4343)
#J-18808-Ljbffr