Research Scientist

About the role

The Division of Applied Social Sciences seeks Research Scientists for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri. FAPRI provides quantitative analysis of policies affecting agriculture, food, and rural economies to U.S. Congress and other domestic and international decision-makers. Research areas are driven by policy-maker needs and have recently included domestic farm policies, biofuel policy, animal disease impacts, crop insurance, international trade agreements, and developments in agricultural, biofuel, and food markets.

Incumbents will work with FAPRI researchers and staff to develop and enhance models used for market and policy analysis, with emphasis on either:

• Crop sector models (U.S. or international), requiring knowledge of crop markets and policies, including domestic commodity title policies, crop insurance programs, and international crop sector policies.
• Livestock and dairy sector models (U.S. or international), requiring knowledge of livestock and dairy markets and relevant policies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance existing partial equilibrium models and develop new tools for market and policy analysis.
• Conduct research on the impacts of policies and other drivers on agricultural market prices and quantities.
• Interact with stakeholders and fellow researchers to stay informed of market and policy developments.
• Develop reports and publications for academic and non-academic audiences.
• Present analyses to diverse audiences, including policymakers, agricultural producers, and agribusiness representatives.
• Collaborate with FAPRI team members, Division of Applied Social Sciences, and University of Missouri Extension to align research with FAPRI objectives and personal academic interests.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in agricultural economics, economics, statistics, or a related field.
• Experience with quantitative analytical methods and 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, with a record of presenting to diverse audiences and writing reports for both academic and applied outlets.
• Experience presenting quantitative assessments to agricultural producers, agribusiness representatives, or policymakers.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

About the University and Location

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System and a top-tier Research 1 (R1) university, as well as a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Mizzou offers law, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, engineering, and a nuclear research reactor on one campus.

Columbia, Missouri, is a vibrant college town with a high quality of life, offering big-city culture and resources alongside a low cost of living. Located between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia hosts numerous festivals, restaurants, and entertainment venues.