Senior Research Associate

The Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) seeks applications for up to three (3) Senior Research Associates within the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the University of Missouri, a policy center in DASS.

RaFF provides U.S. Congress with data and analyses for policy development, and forward-looking estimates of local/state-level farm financial indicators. Through a coordinated multistate effort, RaFF collects data and evaluates how policy decisions, innovations, and other events affect the ability of farmers and ranchers to make a profit. RaFF reports are also used by agricultural lenders, input suppliers and other stakeholders to set business priorities.

Join us if you're passionate about economic modeling, objective policy analysis and rural and farm well-being. We're growing quickly and looking for individuals interested in providing tools that impact rural financial decisions.

Responsibilities

The position(s) will develop and enhance models used for policy analysis with specific emphasis on regional (sub-national) financial outcomes. Responsibilities include the development of new and enhancement of existing state-level farm income models and regional models of agricultural lending portfolios, as well as the development of new tools for market and policy analysis.

Other responsibilities include interacting with stakeholders, farm and rural finance experts, and fellow researchers to stay abreast of market and policy developments; developing reports and publications to convey research results in academic and non-academic media; and making presentations to communicate analyses to a wide range of audiences.

Minimum qualifications: A doctoral degree in agricultural economics, economics, statistics or related area, with specific emphasis in applied econometrics, from an accredited college or university.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

Having at least two years of experience in applied economic analysis with at least one year of full-time experience developing and using structural economic models is essential.

Experience with commodity price analysis, farm policy, data management, and econometrics is preferred. Responsibility for estimating production costs and profit margins, supply and demand equations, equilibrium quantities and prices of agricultural commodity markets for outlook and policy analysis is highly preferred.

Experience using quantitative analytical methods and experience with partial equilibrium models.

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Experience with R or Python.

Familiarity with U.S. agricultural practices, markets and policies.

Strong communication skills in English are essential. Candidates should have a record of presenting to various audiences and writing reports to both academic and applied outlets.

Experience presenting quantitative assessment to agricultural producers, agribusiness representatives, or policymakers.

Please visit hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic, Job ID 56130, to apply.

Include a single PDF that includes 1) a cover letter with information about research accomplishments, research interests and future plans; 2) a current CV; and 3) contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) for five (5) references. The finalist for each of the three (3) positions must also provide official transcripts for highest degree earned.

Contact: Questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Alejandro Plastina (aplastina@missouri.edu).

Screening of applications will begin upon the position's posting and will continue for 30 days or until the position is filled.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.