Description

Senior Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA | Hybrid (3 days in-office per week)

The Senior Research Associate will work closely with research managers and other research associates to lead economic research projects and deliver high-quality economic analyses. The role combines rigorous quantitative and qualitative research with clear, impactful writing. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable working with large datasets and producing polished, client-ready deliverables while managing multiple priorities across several project managers.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

• Design and execute applied economic research projects, including impact studies, regional analyses, forecasting and economic modeling.
• Conduct advanced statistical and economic analyses (such as input-output modeling, time-series forecasting, or regression analysis) to identify trends, patterns, and policy implications.
• Manage and analyze large datasets from sources such as BEA, BLS, Census, etc.
• Apply coding and statistical software (Stata, R, Python) for data management and analysis
• Ensure methodological rigor by testing assumptions, documenting processes, and validating results.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize prior research into concise takeaways, client-ready insights.

Communication & Engagement

• Write clear, well-structured reports that translate complex data (e.g., employment trends, industry output, housing markets) into actionable insights for clients and stakeholders.
• Develop presentations and data for technical and non-technical audience.
• Engage with clients through meetings, delivering findings in a professional manner.
• Anticipate client needs and help shape narratives that connect data to actionable insights.

Project and Team Leadership

• Work across several concurrent projects, coordinating with several project managers to meet deadlines.
• Take ownership of research tasks and timelines, balancing accuracy and efficiency under tight timelines.
• Mentor junior researchers, providing guidance on methods, analysis, and professional development.
• Contribute to internal quality assurance by reviewing methodologies, models, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with management to scope project objectives, structure analysis approaches, and execute deliverables with minimal supervision.

Innovation & Development

• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes and expand service offerings.
• Contribute to business development by drafting technical approaches, methodology sections, and cost/level-of-effort estimates for proposals and RFP responses.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

Education: 

• Ph.D. in economics, statistics, data science, or a related quantitative field strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree in Economics, Applied Economics, or a related quantitative field with substantial, directly applicable professional experience in economic research, data analysis, or econometric modeling may be considered in lieu of a Ph.D.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced statistical methods, econometrics, and economic modeling through academic research and/or professional experience.

Experience:

• Applied economic research experience, preferably across multiple concurrent engagements in consulting, government, or policy environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects.
• Track record of producing client-ready reports, presentations, and deliverables.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in statistical/econometric software (Stata, R, EViews, Python, or similar).
• Experience with input–output modeling tools (e.g., IMPLAN) and/or advanced modeling frameworks.
• Strong writing, visualization, and communication skills.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Experience with Tableau/Power BI or creating interactive dashboards.
• Working knowledge of GIS tools (ArcGIS or QGIS) is a plus.
• Experience creating client-ready presentations using PowerPoint.
• Experience with database management and working with large datasets.

Professional Skills:

• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Clear, accessible writing and communication skills tailored to client needs.
• Ability to adapt to different management and communication styles.

Preferred Attributes:

• Prior experience in a consulting environment.
• Proven ability to connect technical research to client strategy and policy discussions.
• Proven experience working in a fast-paced, multi-project consulting environment.