Agricultural Economist (Postdoctoral Research Associate)
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Job Description: Agricultural Economist (Postdoctoral Research Associate)
Posted: March 23, 2023
We are seeking applicants for a two-year postdoctoral position to work on issues related to Agricultural Business and Production Risk. The successful candidate will contribute to developing economic models on the value of risk mitigation afforded to farms via the adoption of soil conservation practices. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Lawson Connor, in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business at the University of Arkansas.
Land Core is the project convener and formal employer for this role, while team members span multiple universities and private-sector partners. There is significant potential for real world impact from this research by informing agricultural lending and crop insurance policies in the US.
Land Core is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization advancing soil health programs and policies that create value for farmers, businesses, and communities. In particular, they are focused on building the missing infrastructure and economic incentives that will make the rapid adoption of soil health possible.
The organization has assembled an impressive group of quantitative scientists and subject matter experts, from U.C. Berkeley, Michigan State University, the University of Arkansas, and Rice University, who develop and apply state-of-the art scientific methodologies and tools to enable the development of statistical models and their analysis, in assessing current and future environmental and financial risks and risk mitigation strategies, for farming and farm operation in the US Midwest region and beyond. This work will result, in part, in the development of a practical tool that will be used by lending and insurance partners to incorporate into their risk assessment strategies, and to develop economic incentives for producers to adopt risk-reducing soil health practices.
Responsibilities:
Utilize crop yield models to simulate crop insurance rates
Collaborate with multidisciplinary (e.g. agroecologists, agricultural economists, and statisticians) and multi-sector (i.e. academics and NGO) team to contribute to quantifying economic risks from different cropping systems and soil health practices (i.e.conservation tillage, cover cropping, and cropping system diversification) and environmental contexts, and conducting farm management and finance modeling
Work collaboratively with and articulate complex statistical concepts to stakeholders without statistical training
Lead publication of academic papers and present results at national and international conferences
Required Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Applied/Agricultural Economics, Economics, or related field completed by August 2023
Specialization in agricultural economics, statistics, or closely related fields
Strong analytical and quantitative skills related to agricultural risk analysis or farm finance.
Strong written and oral communication skills
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of USDA farm programs
Experience with farm enterprise/budget analysis
Experience managing large datasets
Knowledge of copula models or bayesian statistics with application to modeling yield risk
Familiarity with searching for and using publicly available agricultural datasets
Comfort with statistical modeling and simulations
Experience with R, Stata, or similar software
Appointment:
The anticipated and desired start date for this appointment is summer 2023, or once the position is filled. Later start dates are possible in selected circumstances. The appointment is for two years, based on performance. This is a full-time appointment with a strong preference for being based locally at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville campus. More information about the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Arkansas is available at https://agribusiness.uark.edu/.
Salary and Benefits:
$55,000-61,000.00 expected base salary, per 12-month period. Base salary is based on qualifications and experience and is negotiable.
Expected benefits package: healthcare stipend, retirement plan, PTO, professional development.
Employee Status: Regular
Travel Requirements: Infrequent travel, remote participation can be negotiated, except for conference presentations.
Remote Work: Will be considered but is not preferred.
Land Core is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
To Apply:
To apply, applicants should submit the following items to Land Core (staff@landcore.org) and cc Dr. Lawson Connor (lconnor@uark.edu):
A 1-2 page cover letter describing their experience and interest in the position. We encourage including a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to justice, diversity, equity and inclusion through research, teaching, and/or service.
A current CV
The names and contact information of three professional references. Letters of reference may be requested for finalists.
You must pass a background test and provide proof of earned doctoral degree before beginning employment.
Email questions to Land Core (staff@landcore.org).
The position will remain open until filled, and all applicants who apply by May 15 will receive full consideration.