Regional Economist

Since 1931, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service has provided localities with research and leadership capacity building efforts to assist local and state government entities across the Commonwealth. In 2020, the Cooper Center released its strategic plan Reimagining Public Service, to address complex 21st century issues in which civic challenges are interconnected and problem-solving requires engaged communities and collaboration across traditional boundaries. In this new context, the Center is evolving ensure its work is impact-driven and focused on the needs of the diverse communities in Virginia; inclusive of leaders at all levels and of individuals with differing perspectives and from varied backgrounds; and guided always by its values of access, collaboration, commitment to community, and impact.  More information about the Weldon Cooper Center’s economic research can be found here.   

  

An economist in regional and urban economics (R1), public finance (H) and applied econometrics (C1). Secondary fields of, environmental (Q) or economic development (O). An economist applies original economics research to provide careful and balanced economic analysis of regional, state, and local public policy. Supports strategic initiative in high-impact research on improved design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. Routinely engages in multi-disciplinary work with colleagues in other fields, including engineering, environmental science, urban planning and public policy. 

  

The successful candidate will be expected to:  

• Analyze the regional economic impact of public policies, and of public or private expenditures on economic activity and quality of life. 

• Use general equilibrium models and integrated assessment models for the analysis of public policies. 

• Report on factors affecting the economic welfare of localities and regions. 

• Identify and obtain funding to support future research initiatives. 

• Work with state agencies and local communities (particularly in Virginia) on providing analytical support for policy design and implementation. 

• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned. 

  

Minimum Qualifications 

Education: An advanced degree (Ph.D. or a Master’s degree) 

  

Experience: Three years of related experience in economics with knowledge of regional economic analysis, public finance, and econometrics. Knowledge of national and regional economic accounts, general equilibrium modeling and input/output analysis is critical, along with the ability to analyze the economic consequences of various taxation, expenditure, and regional development policies. It is expected that some portion of this research will result in articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals. The incumbent should be able to present research results in a way that is understandable by policy makers and the public. Some teaching may be arranged as an option. 

  

The Regional Economist will report to the Research Director. 

  

For additional information about the position, please contact William Shobe at shobe@virginia.edu .  

  

Physical Demands 

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. 

  

This is position is hybrid with offices located in Charlottesville, VA. The position will require periodic, in-person meetings with other researchers and with public officials and

community. 

  

The earliest anticipated start date is December 2022. 

  

This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. Anticipated Hiring Range: $110,000 – $115,000 commensurate with education and experience.  

  

This is an Exempt level, benefited position.  For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits .  

  

This position will remain open until filled. 

  

This position will sponsor applicants for work visas.  

  

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.  

  

To Apply:  
Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “R0041515 “ 

  

Process for External Applicants: Please visit UVA job board at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for “R0041515”. 

  

Complete an application online with the following documents: 

• CV 

• Cover letter 

  

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.  

  

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process.  

  

For questions about the application process, please contact Christi Maguire, Recruiting Specialist, at clm8sd@virginia.edu   

  

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.  

 

 

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines  webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.