Dairy Economist

This position operates on behalf of the Dairy Innovation Hub, a statewide initiative housed within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The Hub advances science, technology, and economic sustainability for Wisconsin’s dairy community across UW–Madison, UW–Platteville, and UW–River Falls. While primarily focused on supporting dairy economics research, analysis, and outreach at UW–Madison, this role offers opportunities to collaborate with Extension partners and faculty across all three campuses to strengthen statewide impact.

About the role

The Dairy Economist will bring expertise in dairy markets and agribusiness to conduct applied research and deliver outreach relevant to stakeholders across the dairy supply chain. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated technical and institutional knowledge in milk pricing, dairy marketing orders, dairy supply chains, financial analysis, risk management, or international trade. This position contributes directly to the Hub’s research, outreach, and stakeholder engagement efforts, working with economists at UW–Madison and collaborating with faculty and staff in CALS, the Division of Extension, and the Center for Dairy Research.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support applied research and analysis on dairy markets and businesses in the dairy value chain to produce academic and outreach materials that are timely and responsive to stakeholder needs.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on dairy markets and dairy-related businesses for stakeholders both within and beyond the university.
• Engage with stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, farmers, media, and community groups, to translate research findings into actionable insights and solutions.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams within CALS, the Division of Extension, UW–Madison, and across the Hub’s campuses to advance integrated approaches to solving real-world challenges in the dairy value chain.
• Contribute to the mission of the Hub by leading efforts to determine the economic and social impact of the Dairy Innovation Hub and report findings to stakeholders and policymakers.
• Contribute to the Hub’s annual reporting efforts by infusing economic impact data.
• Provide presentations, posters, and engagement to support the Hub’s signature events (Dairy Summit, Dairy Symposium, posters at the State Capitol, etc.), as well as at industry conferences and public events; contribute to on-site event execution and attendee engagement as part of a collaborative team.
• Identify, write, or assist in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding.
• Attend and assist with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information.
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports and materials, and disseminate information to appropriate entities.
• Serve as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders, providing expert-level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area.
• Identify research problems and develop highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publish and present results to help advance research.
• Collect and analyze highly complex research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and document results according to established policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a supportive and inclusive academic environment.

About the Dairy Innovation Hub

The Dairy Innovation Hub’s mission is to position Wisconsin’s dairy community for economic, environmental, and social success by advancing science, developing talent, and strengthening collaboration. Supported by $7.8 million annually from the state of Wisconsin, the Hub drives research and development across UW-Madison, UW-Platteville, and UW-River Falls to keep Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy community at the global forefront of producing nutritious dairy products in a sustainable way. The Hub’s vision is to be the world’s leading source of new discoveries and talent development in dairy. Its work focuses on four priority areas: stewardship of land and water resources, enriching human health and nutrition, ensuring animal health and welfare, and growing farm businesses and communities. Learn more.

About UW–Madison

Since its founding in 1848, UW–Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. As a public land-grant university and major research institution, our students, staff, and faculty engage in a world-class education while solving real-world problems. With public service — or as we call it, the Wisconsin Idea — as our guiding principle, Badgers are creating a better future for everyone.

Requirements

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience in dairy markets and dairy-related businesses on topics such as milk pricing, dairy marketing orders, dairy supply chains, financial analysis, risk management, or international trade.
• Experience conducting original applied research or analysis on dairy markets and businesses in the dairy value chain, including the development of academic publications, industry reports, or related presentations.
• Master’s degree in economics, agricultural economics, business, agribusiness, or a related field.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience engaging in outreach to dairy market stakeholders such as dairy farmers, dairy processors, dairy agribusiness, policymakers, and/or consumers. Examples of outreach may include invited talks, media interviews, popular press articles, reports, event attendance, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working within a team to conduct research, analysis, and/or outreach on dairy or related markets, pricing, trade, and supply chain, including internal and external team members.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and engage a robust network of industry and academic partners.
• PhD in economics, agricultural economics, business, agribusiness, or a related field.

Benefits

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information.

Pay

The minimum starting salary for this position is $85,000. Final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Normal hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required for this position.