Graduate Research Assistant

Erie, PA, USA

As a Graduate Research Assistant for the Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE), you’ll play a vital role in supporting academic research and driving community outreach efforts. Working closely with the Director, you’ll take on both collaborative and independent responsibilities, giving you the opportunity to develop critical research skills while contributing to impactful projects.

This assistantship is designed to provide hands-on experience in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting real-world economic data. You’ll leverage various public and private resources to monitor and report on economic trends that influence local businesses and the broader community. Your work will directly contribute to presentations, reports, and events such as the annual ERIE Economic Conference, offering practical exposure to both the academic and professional aspects of economic research.

In addition to core research tasks, you’ll have the chance to lead special projects, manage undergraduate research assistants, and gain insight into grant preparation—all while balancing your academic commitments.

Key Tasks:

As a Graduate Research Assistant, you’ll be lead meaningful research projects, and play a key role in the advancement of ERIE. Your responsibilities will include:

• Collect, compile, and analyze economic data.
• Maintain and update ERIE’s economic databases.
• Continuously update the ERIE Leading Index and the ERIE Guide to the Erie Economy.
• Assist the Director with research and preparation for presentations to the local community.
• Help organize the annual ERIE Economic Conference.
• Respond to community requests for economic data or information.
• Maintain and update the ERIE website.
• Conduct primary research under the Director’s guidance.
• Supervise and manage undergraduate research assistants.
• Assist the Director with the preparation of grant applications for research funding.

Key Skills: Technical proficiency (Excel & Powerpoint), advanced research skills, leadership, clear communication, familiarity with statistical software is a plus

Requirements:

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be enrolled as a graduate student at Penn State, pursuing an advanced degree in Business Administration, Manufacturing Management, Professional Accounting, or Project Management.
• Preferred undergraduate degrees include:
  • Business-related fields, such as Economics, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems (MIS), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and related disciplines.
  • Non-business majors are welcome to apply if they demonstrate relevant skills or interest in the role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with data and conducting analysis in economics or related fields.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently.
• Demonstrated strong performance in undergraduate education.

Candidates should be passionate about research, eager to learn, and prepared to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Job Perks:

• Full tuition reimbursement for one year.
• Monthly stipend.
• Hands on experience of handling critical economic data.
• Implementing analytical skills in a real world environment.
• Personal growth through contribution to the organization’s growth.
• Flexible work hours to accommodate school schedule.
• Connect with coworkers at a team dinner every semester.
• Personal ERIE office desk area.
• Casual dress code to provide a relaxed yet professional work environment.