University of Texas at El Paso

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The research associate performs and coordinates specialized research projects related to the trans-boundary economic development of the Paso del Norte (PdN) region.

Implements and develops research projects undertaken by the Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness in five main areas: Business and Economic Development, Education, Public Health, Natural Resource Management, and Infrastructure and Urban Planning.

Reviews availability, relevance and quality of data in each and all jurisdictions included in the PdN region (west Texas, Southern New Mexico and Northern Chihuahua).

Collects quantitative and qualitative data by implementing various methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies) depending on the variables to be measured.

Analyzes and interprets economic, financial, and statistical data.

Assists the production of regional trans-boundary indicators.

Maintains regional economic indicators’ databases up-to-date.

Identifies economic challenges facing the PdN region and proposes alternatives towards sustainable economic development.

Drafts documents in both Spanish and English as well as communicates verbally with Spanish and English speaking stakeholders.

Prepares reports and PowerPoint presentations to provide preliminary and final feedback of the analysis conducted to internal and external audiences.

Conducts research in resolutions, ordinances, statutes and federal laws from all the jurisdictions (in Mexico and the U.S.) included in the PdN region.

Assists the Program manager in maintaining and updating existing databases of available reports, scholarly and professional analyses in the area regional economic development.

Maintains periodic communication with the Hunt Institute’s Executive Director and Program Manager.

Contributes to the implementation of the Hunt Institute’s goals and objectives accordingly to the University’s policies and procedures.

Participates in academic economic conferences, symposia and other related events of interest to the Hunt Institute or Global competitiveness.

Supervises assigned personnel (research assistants) when needed.

other research duties may be assigned.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other related duties may be assigned.


Required Qualifications

Master's Degree.

Three years of related experience and/or training to the essential duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Solid background in applied economics, with an emphasis on Regional Economic Development.

At least 3 years of experience in the monitoring, evaluation, and assessment of public and private development projects particularly in the area of business and Economic Development.

At least 3 years of experience in conducting research projects associated with the area of Regional Economic Development.

Strong quantitative, qualitative, and modeling skills.

Solid grounding in the political and economic structures which prevail in the PdN region.

Flexibility to travel from time to time across state and federal boundaries.

Ability to interact with tact and discretion with all manners of stakeholders in the region, especially with research institutes, universities and other higher Education Institutions and organizations.

Ability to work with research software and statistical tools and programs.