Research Associate Professor or Research Professor of Applied Economics & State

Starting Date: Jul 1, 2026 or thereafter, negotiable
This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or Green Card sponsorship.

BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Research Associate Professor or Research Professor of Applied Economics and Minnesota State Economist. Located in the Department of Applied Economics, Twin Cities Campus, University of Minnesota and in Minnesota Management and Budget, St. Paul, Minnesota. This is a non-tenured, contract faculty position. We are seeking one candidate for this role, which is cross-posted as both a Tenured Faculty and a Contract Faculty position, serving as Minnesota State Economist. The specific appointment track will be commensurate with the selected applicant’s background. Rank and appointment type are flexible and will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.

The incumbent for this position will serve as Minnesota’s State Economist and fulfill the duties of the State Economist as described in a contract between the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Management and Budget. The incumbent will also be a faculty member in the Department of Applied Economics and contribute to the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the Department of Applied Economics in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences as described in the key responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:
University Teaching – Applied Economics (APEC) (10%)
Teach one, half-semester-length course (or the equivalent) yearly in the Department of Applied Economics, as assigned by the Department Head. The extent of teaching load is negotiable and can vary over time as conditions warrant.

Applied Research (15%)
Develop a nationally or internationally recognized research program related to applied economics. This includes publishing articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, obtaining research grants, and advising graduate and undergraduate research.

Minnesota State Economist (75%)
Fulfill the duties of the State Economist as listed in the governing contract between the University and MMB. These include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee the production of the state’s twice-yearly economic and revenue forecasts. In collaboration with Economic Analysis staff, forecast state economic variables and revenues from the individual income, sales, corporate income, and other taxes. With State Economic Analysis staff, write and edit the economy and revenue sections of the Budget and Economic Forecast report and presentation. Brief government officials, the media, and others on the economic and revenue forecasts.
• Provide leadership and vision for the Economic Analysis Team in collaboration with the director of the state team. Provide the scholarly base for, and be responsible for the quality of, the team’s models, forecasts, analyses, reports, and presentations.
• Oversee the production of statutorily mandated reports, including monthly reports on state tax receipts and quarterly revenue and economic updates.
• Serve as the economic spokesperson for MMB and state government by making public speaking engagements and engaging with the media upon request.

Required

• Ph.D. in economics, applied economics, or closely related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience.
• Evidence of high quality written and oral communication skills for professional and non-professional audiences.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and management skills.
• Research experience in economics, applied economics, or related fields.

Preferred

• Evidence of high-quality research and of potential for publication in peer-reviewed field journals and general interest journals in economics.
• Experience in economic and/or tax revenue forecasting.
• Rigorous training in public finance, public economics, or tax policy.
• Research experience in public finance, public economics, tax policy, or tax revenue forecasting.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching at the undergraduate or graduate levels.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in mentoring and advising graduate students.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in communicating with audiences without an economics background.
• Previous appointment as a tenured faculty member in an economics or related academic field
• Evidence of strong commitment to the University’s goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing inclusive excellence.
• Experience securing or working on extramurally funded research.

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) is the state agency responsible for managing the state’s financial and human resources. Within MMB, the State Economist oversees the work products of the Economic Analysis Team. The State Economist in collaboration with this team produces the state’s twice-yearly economic and revenue forecasts. The State Economist and the team forecast the major sources of general fund tax revenue-the income, sales, and corporate taxes-among others. These forecasts set the baseline for the state’s biennial budget decision making and provide estimates for the adjustments necessary to keep the budget in balance. In addition, the team publishes fifteen statutorily mandated reports each year. The State Economist briefs the governor, legislators, the media, and the state’s bond rating agencies on the economic and revenue forecasts and serves as MMB’s spokesperson on Minnesota’s economy.

Pay Range: The salary is competitive and commensurate with professional experience and qualifications. The anticipated salary ranges are:

• Research Associate Professor (job code 9402R): $165,000-$180,000
• Research Professor (job code 9401R): $180,000-$195,000

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online Application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

• A complete application must include:
  • Cover letter explaining the candidate’s vision for this position and how their career goals, training, and experience support their candidacy.
  • Curriculum vitae,
  • Graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
  • One published research paper or report.
  • Contact information for three individuals who can comment on the candidates abilities and experience.
• The cover letter and curriculum vitae must be attached to the online application in PDF format. Other application materials can also be attached to the online application or emailed to the search email below. Email inquiries about the position are welcome, but the formal application process is required.
  Faculty Search Committee
  Department of Applied Economics
  University of Minnesota
  1994 Buford Avenue
  St. Paul, MN 55108-6040
  apecsearch@umn.edu

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).