Research Associate Masters or Postdoctoral Scholar

About the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

The Center on Rural Innovation is a national non-profit dedicated to fostering more innovative and inclusive economies in small towns across America. Through our data-driven research, capacity-building programs, and national network of community partners, we provide the tools, resources, and support rural leaders need to build thriving, future-ready economies.

Position Summary

Join the Center on Rural Innovation and conduct high-impact research to help build thriving rural economies. We are looking for a passionate researcher to work with our interdisciplinary team to analyze workforce development and entrepreneurship, providing the insights communities need to become more resilient. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and a genuine connection to rural America, either through lived experience or professional focus. This flexible role is open to candidates with a Master's or PhD, and will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant. This is a full-time, one-year position with the potential for renewal or conversion to a permanent role based on performance and organizational needs.

Job Description:

• Conduct quantitative research using econometric and spatial analysis techniques on topics related to rural economic development, including labor market analysis, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure.
• Translate complex data analysis into compelling narratives through insightful data storytelling and visualizations.
• Author and co-author high-quality, accessible reports, academic articles, and blog posts for a variety of audiences, from local practitioners to national funders.
• Present research findings at conferences, webinars, and meetings with stakeholders.
• Contribute to grant proposals and reporting to support the ongoing work of the research team.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a strong mix of technical research skills, excellent communication abilities, and a genuine passion for rural America.

Required Education & Experience:

• For Post-doctoral Fellow level: A PhD in Economics, Agricultural or Applied Economics, Regional Science, Geography, Public Policy, Statistics, Applied Statistics, or a similar quantitative field.
• For Research Associate level: A Master’s degree in a related field plus 2 years of relevant professional research experience. Exceptional candidates with a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of directly relevant experience will also be considered.

Core Competencies (Required for all applicants):

• Deep Connection to Rural Issues: Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of rural communities, evidenced by either significant lived experience in a rural area OR a strong professional/academic track record of studying rural economies.
• Analytical Mindset: A creative and curious approach to asking and answering complex questions with data.
• Strong Quantitative Skills: Proficiency in statistical analysis and data management using R (or willingness to use R).
• Familiarity with federal datasets such as the American Community Survey (ACS), Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), or Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) data.
• Excellent Written Communication: Proven ability to write clearly and persuasively for both technical and non-technical audiences. A writing sample will be required.
• Collaborative Spirit: A team player who thrives in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Location:

Fully remote, but will require travel to Hartland, VT headquarters and/or other rural locations 1-3 times a year for in-person meetings.

**We are seeking candidates who currently live in a rural area or have lived in a rural area for more than 5 years. Rural is defined as a town with a Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) code of 4 or higher as determined by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.**

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• A writing sample (e.g., a published paper, a research report, a thesis chapter) that best showcases your research and writing abilities. *Please make sure your application materials are tailored to showcase your ability to succeed in this specific role.*
• Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
• Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc. will manage the application and review process using our Workable platform. Please direct all inquiries through this system. 

We are unable to respond to phone and email inquiries at this time.

• Annual professional development allowance 
• 100% employer paid health, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance
• 5% employer matched 401k after 90 days
• Home office set-up allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fifteen days accrued PTO, plus eight floating holidays
• The salary for this position has a salary range dependent on education and experience:
  Master’s Level: $70,000 - $80,000
  Doctoral Level: $80,000 - $90,000