Job #: 2026-60

• TWC Job #: 16991255
• Travel Required: 5%
• Monthly Salary: $5,833.34 – $6,500.00
• Position Location: Austin, TX
• Group Step: B22
• Class: 0606

Research Specialist – Austin, Texas

The Office of the Governor (OOG) is looking for a Research Specialist (Research Specialist IV) to work in the Economic Development and Tourism Office (EDT) – Texas CHIPS Office (TCO).

Who We Are

The Office of the Governor works to build a healthier, safer, freer, and more prosperous future for all Texans. We are located primarily within the Texas State Capitol Complex in Austin.

What You’ll Earn

The salary is $5,833.34 – $6,500.00 a month ($70,000.08 – $78,000.00 a year).

Benefits include medical insurance, sick leave, and vacation leave. Also, State of Texas employees are eligible for a defined retirement plan. Learn more: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

What You’ll Do

This position works in close coordination with the TCO staff to conduct and administer research projects related to EDT, the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). Performs highly complex (senior-level) research work that involves planning, coordinating, and conducting economic studies and analyses; determining and evaluating economic factors relating to various programs and projects; and disseminating the collection of information pertinent to those analyses to provide information and assistance to OOG, EDT, businesses, and communities in the state.

• Plans the development, implementation, and monitoring of research projects related to TSIF, TCO and other EDT programs as assigned.
• Determines the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated.
• Develops policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research, demonstration, and evaluation activities.
• Develops quality assurance procedures and conducts quality assurance reviews on research projects.
• Consults and provides technical advice on research methods and techniques.
• Formulates and monitors long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities.

• Analyzes and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting current research.
• Plans, gathers, and interprets state and national economic and industrial data to develop, write, and coordinate selected agency and business research publications relating to the state economy and key industries for website content, print materials, and other agency purposes.
• Implements and maintains quality standards and procedures for data gathering, analysis, writing, editing, and presentations.
• Coordinates and supports research activities for TCO, the TSIC Executive Committee, members of the TSIC, and EDT.
• Recommends and implements improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness of TSIC, TSIF, and TCO financial programs.
• Maintains familiarity with current data tools, including federal and state government resources (e.g., U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Program Office), business resources, journals, newspapers, magazines, aggregators, and selected newswires/listservs. Keeps abreast of new data and resources.
• Keeps current on Texas economic trends (e.g., employment, occupational, industrial, transportation, business climate, and international trade) with particular emphasis for the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
• Stays abreast of federal and state economic and demographic data policies and availability. Advises on project design, data collection, data organization, data presentation, and related work performed internally by other state agencies and economic development organizations.
• Stays abreast of state, corporate, national, and international activities affecting the Texas economy and the semiconductor industry.
• Remains well-informed of EDT, TCO, TSIC, and OOG initiatives, policies, procedures, operations, new releases, web content, programs, and statewide trends.
• Prepares and conducts presentations.
• Tracks all subscriptions and resources used to ensure effectiveness in gathering information and analysis.
• Responds to information requests from within and outside the OOG, including conducting independent research to satisfy such requests.
• Supports EDT, TCO, TSIC, and OOG teams with research assistance.
• Prepares briefing materials, as requested.

How You’ll Qualify

• High school graduate or equivalent; and

• Four (4) years of professional experience in research and/or economic analysis.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

You’re a Great Fit with

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration, economics, political science, statistical analysis, research methodology, or a related field; and
• Advanced degree from an accredited college or university; and
• Knowledge of the semiconductor industry or other advanced manufacturing industries; and
• Skill in using geographic information systems (GIS) software.

How to Apply

To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and resume, and apply online at www.workintexas.com. Paper applications and resumes are not accepted in person or via email.

Veterans

Veterans, Reservists, or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor’s Office.

Submit a separate application and resume for each position that you are qualified.

In Work in Texas, search for Office of the Governor job postings by the “Agency Job ID” listed as “Job #” on the position description – or – using the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) assigned posting ID number, listed as “TWC job number” on the position description.