Research Scientist

The Division of Applied Social Sciences seeks applications and nominations for up to three (3) Research Scientists within the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri (FAPRI), a university declared Program of Distinction in the Division of Applied Social Sciences.

FAPRI provides quantitative analysis of the impact of policies affecting agriculture, food and rural economies to the U.S. Congress and other domestic and international decision makers and is widely recognized for its expertise by the same. Research areas are determined in large part by the anticipated and expressed needs of policy makers. In recent years, FAPRI has conducted research that has helped policy makers understand issues related to domestic farm policies in the United States, including changes from OBBBA, biofuel policy, impacts of animal diseases, and crop insurance. Analysis extends beyond the U.S. sector to the European Union, Brazil, India and other countries; international trade agreements and negotiations; and a wide range of developments in agricultural, biofuel and food markets and policies.

The incumbent(s) will work with FAPRI researchers and staff to develop and enhance models used for market and policy analysis with emphasis in United States or international markets. FAPRI seeks to hire:

1. Analyst(s) to work with the current team on the crop sector. This might include U.S. or international crops models and requires knowledge of crops markets and crop sector policies, including domestic commodity title policies and crop insurance programs and international crop sector policies that impact the sector.
2. Analyst(s) to work with the current team on the livestock and dairy sectors. This might include analysis including the international livestock and dairy models and/or the equivalent U.S. models and requires knowledge of livestock and dairy markets and policies that are relevant to market outcomes.

Responsibilities typically include the maintenance and enhancement of existing models and the development of new tools for market and policy analysis. Research topics often focus on the impacts of policies and other drivers on agricultural market prices and quantities using partial equilibrium models. Other responsibilities include interacting with stakeholders 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. The applicant will work with members of the FAPRI team, members of DASS and University of Missouri extension as appropriate to develop their research program in line with FAPRI objectives but also their own academic interests

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in agricultural economics, economics, statistics or related area.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Experience in using quantitative analytical methods and experience with partial equilibrium models.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Experience with SAS and/or R.
• Familiarity with agricultural practices, markets and policies.
• Strong communication skills in English are essential. Candidates should have a record of presenting to diverse audiences and writing reports to both academic and applied outlets.
• Experience presenting quantitative assessment to agricultural producers, agribusiness representatives, or policy-makers.
• Highest degree earned