Undergraduate Research Assistant

Erie, PA, USA

As a Research Assistant for the Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE), you’ll support the Director with academic research and community outreach activities, while also having the opportunity to work on special projects. This role involves both independent work and team collaboration under the supervision of the Director and Graduate Research Assistant (GRA).

This is a part-time, wage-payroll position with flexible hours (minimum 10 hours per week), allowing students to balance work and academic schedules. Research Assistants are typically hired for one semester at a time, with the possibility of continuation based on performance and available funding.

In this position, you will track and analyze real-world economic data, gaining hands-on experience. You’ll use a variety of public and private resources to monitor economic trends and contribute to reports shared with local businesses and Penn State students. This experience can prepare you for further opportunities, including a potential graduate research assistant position.

Key Tasks:

As a Research Assistant, you’ll be involved in various tasks that contribute to meaningful research projects. Your responsibilities will include:

• Collects and compiles data from numerous sources.
• Creates and maintains databases for various ERIE research projects.
• Assists ERIE faculty in their research and in preparation for presentations in the local community.
• Helps update Erie’s latest employment statistics.
• Helps update the ERIE Guide to the Erie Economy.
• Accurately tracks hours worked, and submits number of work hours and documentation on a biweekly basis in a timely fashion.
• Assists with preparation and execution of the annual ERIE Conference.
• Helps respond to community requests for data or information.
• Prepares written summaries/conclusions of data analysis for government organizations, businesses, community groups, and other clients.
• May help in the quarterly updates of the ERIE Leading Index (ELI).
• May conduct primary research under the guidance of the Director.
• May perform detailed analysis on a special project under the guidance of the GRA and/or Director.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the GRA or the Director.

Key Skills: Analytical thinking, technical proficiency, attention to detail, and clear communication.

Requirements:

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

• Must be a full-time Penn State student pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Preferred majors 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.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic principles of economics (Econ 102, 104) and statistics. Successful completion of higher-level Econ courses, especially Regional Economics, is a plus.
• Experience with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, & internet navigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a self-starter and able to work independently without constant oversight.
• Ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated strong performance in undergraduate education.
• Demonstrated ability to work with data and do economic and/or statistical analysis. Successful completion of Econometrics (Econ 485) is a plus but is not required.

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

Job Perks:

• 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.