(Hybrid) Post-doctoral Scholar - Regional Research Institute

The Regional Research Institute (RRI) at West Virginia University (WVU) is an internationally recognized center for the advancement of regional science. The RRI supports regional research with a focus on the economic and social development of lagging regions and plays an important role in fulfilling WVU's land grant mission. More information is available at https://rri.wvu.edu/.

Job Summary

The Regional Research Institute (RRI) at West Virginia University (WVU) seeks applications for a post-doctoral scholar (post-doc) who will report to the RRI director to help conduct regional economic research on a wide range of topics, including topics related to externally funded applied and academic research projects. The qualified individual will be responsible for economic and statistical analyses using a variety of data sources and in developing manuscripts, reports, and presentations for use in disseminating the results to both academic and public audiences. The post-doc will also assist the RRI director in supervising graduate students and in developing new research projects for the RRI. The post-doc will have opportunities to collaborate with scholars at WVU and internationally, to attend conferences, and for networking.

Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2026

Anticipated Employment Timeframe: June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027

Application deadline: Screening of applications will begin immediately; the position will remain open until filled.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the RRI director with developing research topics and executing research projects.
• Conduct economic and statistical analyses using statistical software and a variety of data sources
• Actively contribute to the RRI research team
• Assist the RRI director in supervising graduate students
• Provide technical assistance and general direction to students
• Assist with grant and other funding applications
• Disseminate the research findings to both academic and public audiences
• Attend and present results at regional, national, and/or international meetings
• Develop manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Develop written materials for public audiences
• Indirect supervision of graduate students along with the RRI director.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Research experience related to regional economics or regional science
• State-of-the art econometric and statistical software skills
• Experience with a variety of statistical packages; preference for ArcGIS
• Knowledge of economic impact analysis; preference for experience with this
• Excellent oral and written communication, including manuscript preparation
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in a collaborative environment
• Proven organizational skills

Education

• Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in regional economics or a related field or be ABD with completion of their Ph.D. by no later than December 31, 2026.

Experience

• Research experience related to regional economics or regional science
• Experience with STATA or R statistical packages and state-of-the art econometric analysis
• Preference for experience with ArcGIS
• Preference for experience with economic impact analysis
• Education as noted above

Location

• Hybrid/Morgantown, West Virginia. (Hybrid expectations are regular attendance at in-person meetings).

Documents required for Application

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Research Paper
• Names and contact information for three references

Funding for this position

• The RRI has external funding to support this position.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.