Auburn University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Professor in Quantitative Methods- Food Systems/ Natural Resource Economics. The successful candidate will develop a teaching and research program in applied quantitative methods (econometrics, experimental and/or behavioral economics or survey techniques). The application of these methods will address the changing demands of industry stakeholders, in light of the evolving agrifood system or natural resource issues both locally and globally. The successful candidate will work with a wide range of stakeholders in the state and beyond in applied research to enhance the agrifood industry or improve the use of natural resources. The expected start date is between January 1, 2016 and August 16, 2016.

Responsibilities: This is a 9-month tenure-track position with 40% instruction and 60% research responsibilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for assuming a key role in undergraduate and graduate teaching programs for majors and non-majors. The expected course load is 9-10 credit hours each year, which may include Agricultural Marketing, Quantitative Methods, and/or Resource Economics, at the undergraduate level and related graduate-level courses. The candidate will be expected to develop a course in his/her area of interest that satisfies the needs of the College.

Research responsibilities include developing and implementing a nationally recognized program that is competitively funded and addresses the relevant economic topics for the position. The areas of research for the food systems candidate may include agricultural marketing, experimental economics, supply chain management, food sustainability, and/or price analysis. For a natural resource candidate, potentially productive areas include non-market valuation, energy economics, agri-environmental issues, and bio-economic modeling. The researcher will work in multi-disciplinary teams to solve problems associated with existing and emerging issues.

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Applied Economics, Management, Finance, or closely related applied social science by the expected position start date. The successful candidate will have strong quantitative and applied econometrics skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences are required. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. The applicant must also demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, students and stakeholders to develop collaborative research and teaching programs. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is also required.

Desired qualifications include evidence of working in multi-disciplinary teams, demonstrated record of securing/attempting to secure extramural funding for research and educational programs, relevant government or industry experience, and/or documented experience of the ability to function as an effective instructor.

Application: Applicants must apply for the position electronically through: https://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/1162 and submit the following: 1) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) copies of all academic transcripts, and 4) statement of philosophy on teaching and research. When prompted during the on-line application process, please provide names, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete application materials will be considered. Active review of applications will begin October 1, 2015, but the search will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to:

Dr. Norbert Wilson
Search Committee Chair
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
205 A Comer Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5417
Email: Norbert.Wilson@auburn.edu

The University: Auburn University is a land-grant institution with a student enrollment of more than 24,000. The University provides instruction in approximately 70 academic departments and maintains graduate research and public service programs of a broad scope. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama near the metropolitan areas of Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, and Columbus and Atlanta, Georgia.

The Department: The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology consists of full-time faculty and staff conducting programs in research, teaching and outreach/extension activities. More information can be found at http://aers.auburn.edu/.

Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer