Assistant Professor in Agricultural and Applied Economics

Job Summary

The Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative is designed to help address significant, complex challenges of particular importance to Wisconsin and the world, through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration and increased student and educational opportunities. RISE-EARTH, which stands for Environment: Adaptation, Resilience, Technology, and Humanity, will strengthen the university's ability to address challenges and opportunities related to the environment, translating discoveries into tangible benefits in Wisconsin and beyond.

As part of this initiative, the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAE) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in agricultural and applied economics. This position is supported by the Dairy Innovation Hub, a forward-looking, statewide initiative focused on enhancing the science, technology, and economic sustainability of the nation's leading dairy-producing region.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated research potential in areas such as agricultural production and policy, market dynamics, food systems, or environmental impacts. The ideal candidate will produce high-impact, policy-relevant research that can be meaningfully applied to the domestic dairy industry and complement existing departmental strengths in agricultural, environmental, community, and/or development economics. Applicants without dairy-focused work should outline how they plan to build a research and outreach portfolio on dairy economics and policy.

We value scholars who demonstrate a strong commitment to public engagement and real-world impact. We seek a faculty member who will combine rigorous economic research with a deep interest in outreach that engages communities, industries, and institutions. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary research, influence policy, and teach in a world-class academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop a productive, externally funded research program relevant to the dairy industry. Focus areas may include but are not limited to agricultural production and policy, market dynamics, food systems, and environmental impacts.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in agricultural and applied economics. Contribute to curriculum development and mentor students at all levels.
• Engage with stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and community groups, to translate research findings into actionable insights and solutions.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams within CALS and across UW–Madison, which includes the Division of Extension, to advance integrated approaches to solving real-world challenges in agriculture and economics.
• Contribute to the mission of the Dairy Innovation Hub.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees, as well as relevant professional associations and public service activities.
• Contribute to a supportive and inclusive academic environment.

Key Job Responsibilities

Education

Required: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related field by the start date.

Qualifications

• Training or experience demonstrating potential for excellence in conducting frontier research, providing innovative teaching, and actively engaging in outreach.
• Demonstrated research potential in areas such as agricultural production and policy, market dynamics, food systems, or environmental impacts.
• Demonstrated skill in statistical data analysis, managing large datasets, and complex problem-solving.
• A record of, or demonstrated potential for, securing competitive external funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are required and will be assessed via written work listed on curriculum vitae, statements submitted for the application, and interactions during the interview process.

Compensation

Negotiable – 9 months / ongoing

Additional Information

This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative. Through accelerated and strategic faculty hiring, research infrastructure enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased student and educational opportunities, RISE addresses complex societal challenges of importance to the state, nation and world. Building on UW-Madison's strengths, RISE expands the University's successful track record of connecting with communities and industry on collaborative solutions.

Over the next three academic years, UW-Madison will substantially increase current hiring levels, bringing 150 new RISE faculty to campus. Candidates hired through RISE will join a community of scholars working across disciplines, schools and colleges on research, teaching and outreach endeavors. The community will engage regularly in venues such as seminar series and colloquia to share ongoing projects and identify opportunities to work together. The University will support the community, facilitating access to research infrastructure, and funding to support broad and rich collaboration. Further information regarding RISE can be found at: https://rise.wisc.edu/

About the Department and Institution: The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at UW–Madison is internationally recognized for its research and teaching in agricultural, environmental, community and development economics. Faculty collaborate across disciplines to address complex global and local challenges.

UW–Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin—an innovative and vibrant city frequently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. The university fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment and is committed to diversity, equity, and community engagement.

About the Dairy Innovation Hub: The mission of the Dairy Innovation Hub is to position the dairy community for economic, environmental and social success by advancing science, developing talent and leveraging collaboration. The Dairy Innovation Hub, supported by the state of Wisconsin, harnesses research and development at UW–Madison, UW–Platteville and UW–River Falls campuses to keep Wisconsin’s $53 billion dairy community at the global forefront in producing nutritious dairy products in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable manner.

The vision of the Hub is to be the world’s preeminent source of bold new discoveries and talent development in dairy. The Hub has four key priority areas: (1) stewarding land and water resources, (2) enriching human health and nutrition, (3) ensuring animal health and welfare, (4) and growing farm businesses and communities. To date, UW-Madison has hired eleven faculty through Hub funding. More can be learned at: https://dairyinnovationhub.wisc.edu/

How to Apply

Apply online at "Jobs at UW" (http://jobs.wisc.edu). Applications must be received through UW-Madison's online application system.

To begin the process, please click "".

Applicants must upload the following information as a single PDF document:

• Cover letter detailing interest and relevant training/experience for this position (1-page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Statements of: Teaching and mentoring philosophy and experience (1-page limit); Research experience and interests with a description of current and planned research (3-5 page limit). Applicants without dairy-focused work should outline how they plan to build a research and outreach portfolio on dairy economics and policy.

In addition, you will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three references willing to be contacted for letters of recommendation at a later date.

Deadline

The deadline for assuring full consideration is November 10, 2025; however, the position will remain open, and applications may be considered until the position is filled.