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West Virginia University

Research Assistant Professor

The Regional Research Institute at West Virginia University is dedicated to multidisciplinary research on the economic and social development of lagging regions. Its focus is on theories and methods for studying regions, and policies for stimulating their development. Ongoing research projects deal with rural economic growth and job creation, environmental analysis, energy policy and technology, and methods for regional policy analysis. RRI projects have been funded by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the USDA, the Economic Development Administration, the National Energy and Technology Laboratory, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Responsibilities:
The person in this position will be expected to play an important role in the Institute’s ongoing projects in regional economic analysis and to pursue and participate actively in externally funded research, from project design through project development and implementation to documentation and reporting. This is a non-tenure track, benefits eligible, full-time, 11-month position with appointment starting on or after August 16, 2015. The appointment is renewable, with the expectation of at least a three-year term.

Research projects in which this person will participate will include those that use and extend the hybrid econometric/input-output (ECIO) forecasting model, those that involve integrating various modeling frameworks to model linkages among environmental, economic, and energy systems, and projects that are initiated during the term of appointment.

Consistent with the theories and principles of economics, the person in this position investigates, studies, evaluates, and conducts analyses related to regional economic development, which can involve impacts of and/or reactions to structural changes; creates reports and predictions; determines effective resolutions and/or develops new products or knowledge. This person uses professional concepts and organizational policies independently and in collaboration to solve a wide range of moderate to complex problems in imaginative and practical ways. Depth of skills, knowledge, and interpretive abilities, as well as some creativity, are required to successfully perform duties. Work effort often addresses non-routine matters within established protocol, guidelines, and/or policies. Position duties may require oversight of projects or programs, including coordination of work by others providing support of basic science objectives.

Qualifications:
At the Research Assistant Professor level:
(Masters degree plus) 3 years of work experience in a research, policy analysis, or planning environment, applying skills and analytical methods and techniques related to those required for the position; or an earned doctorate, or equivalent

At the Research Associate Professor level:
(PhD plus) 3 years of work experience in a research, policy analysis, or planning environment, applying skills and analytical methods and techniques related to those required for the position. Appointment at this level requires demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.

Degrees should be in economics, geography, urban and regional planning, policy analysis, or related discipline. Applicants should have a strong background in regional economic modeling theory and methods; familiarity with sources of related economic data for model estimation; and familiarity with supporting analytical software including but not limited to some experience with Python or similar scripting or programming languages.

Location:
The WVU campus is located in Morgantown, WV. WVU is the state’s major research, doctoral degree-granting, and land-grant institution. We serve over 29,000 student in 191 degree programs offered by 15 academic schools and colleges. Designated as a Research University (High Research Activity), is situated 75 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA, within easy driving distance of major eastern metropolitan areas including NYC and Washington, DC.

Application:
Qualified applicants should follow the link at the end of this ad to complete the registration form. Please include an application cover letter, a statement of research interests, a CV, and names and contact information for at least 3 professional references to your submission.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff and students, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.