Student Opportunities

U.S. place-based economic development organizations: This project will focus on the role that different types of local orchestrators play in facilitating economic change, including the energy transition, the local labor markets impacts of technological disruption, trade, etc. We hope to unpack organizational histories, trajectories, capabilities, metrics of success, impact, and leadership. We’re interested in understanding the various roles that these entities play and how they collaborate with other institutions. Research Assistants will review existing literature on regional economic development organizations, including local news articles and reports; interview practitioners in the field; document findings and code insights; and write case studies. Candidates should have strong qualitative research skills, attention to detail, ability to navigate ambiguity, and excellent writing and interpersonal skills. 

Economic transformation case studies: This project will study the design and implementation of various initiatives to raise economic productivity (i.e. workforce training and development, supports to small businesses, etc.). We’re interested in studying the design and implementation of these initiatives, their state capacity considerations, and mechanisms to measure and evaluate impact. Candidates should have strong qualitative research skills, attention to detail, a background in institutional arrangements and state capacity, and the ability to navigate ambiguity.

Qualitative research on the US energy transition: This project will study several aspects of the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy in the United States, with a particular focus on the technologies under development, ongoing and potential impacts on labor markets and communities, and policy responses. We hope to document the range of place-based policies related to the transition that have been implemented at the federal and state level and evaluate their equity and efficiency. We also hope to understand the potential impacts of technologies still under development. Research Assistants will review literature; interview practitioners in the field; document findings and code insights; and write case studies. Candidates should have strong qualitative research skills, attention to detail, ability to navigate ambiguity, and excellent writing and interpersonal skills. A strong understanding of energy technology is also beneficial, but not necessary. 

Data analysis related to the US energy transition: This project will involve quantitative analysis of several aspects of the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy in the United States, with a particular focus on the impacts on labor markets and communities and the policy responses. Research Assistants will primarily gather, clean, and analyze large datasets such as from the Energy Information Administration and the US Census Bureau and communicate their findings. Candidates should have strong quantitative analysis and data reasoning skills, attention to detail, ability to navigate ambiguity, and excellent writing and interpersonal skills. They should have experience using Stata, R, or Python and, ideally, some basic GIS skills (please outline these in your application).

Research translation: This project will involve writing pieces based on our academic research with the goal of making them available to a wider audience. For this role, we are looking for RAs who are able to read and understand academic economics research and have the writing skills to convey to ideas to a non-academic audience. 

Economic data storytelling: This project will involve writing pieces based on our data visualization platform. This includes overviews of key terms as well as explorations of local and national economic trends. For this role we are looking for RAs who are comfortable using and interpreting data, familiar with basic US geography and economics, and capable writers for audiences such as local policymakers and journalists. 

Rethinking Narrative and Storytelling in Economic Policy: This project explores how compelling narratives can reshape the way economic policies are understood, embraced, and implemented at the local level. Drawing from qualitative research, case studies, and a comprehensive literature review, we will identify practical frameworks and essential elements for successful policy storytelling. The ultimate goal is to co-create a playbook—a practical tool that will empower economic development practitioners nationwide to craft narratives that resonate across diverse community. As a Research Assistant, you’ll take part in synthesizing research, drafting the first version of the playbook, and taking part ideating the workshop where practitioners will help us refine this tool. You’ll also help transform workshop insights into a scalable, actionable resource.