Associate Professor or Professor, Agricultural and Applied Economics

The Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU) invite applications for a 9-month tenure-track position at the Associate Professor or Professor level. In addition to a 65% research, 25% teaching, and 10% service appointment, the successful candidate will have a leadership role in the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI).

We are seeking a candidate who will take a leadership role at a research institute that provides objective analysis to support decision making by policymakers and agricultural stakeholders. FAPRI's research relies primarily on partial equilibrium models of U.S. agricultural commodities and related markets, which are used to generate the center's flagship outlook report and policy analysis. In this work, the priority is to represent policies and markets accurately so that robust estimates of the impacts of agricultural, biofuel, trade, and other policies can be provided to policymakers in a timely fashion. Success depends on maintaining agile, policy-relevant models that can generate output quickly as needed, not on a timeline set by journal guidelines or academic meeting schedules. Collaborators in allied research teams, often at other universities, are key to adequately addressing the range of questions typically posed. First-hand knowledge of United States policy and the policymaking processes is essential to understand and frame the research questions posed, policy representation, and the timeline and mechanisms for delivering results. The successful candidate will help lead efforts to coordinate a research team, ensuring that timely, evidence-based insights reach policymakers and industry leaders to drive impactful policy design and private-sector decisions that improve societal outcomes

FAPRI was founded as a Center at MU over four decades ago and has contributed to the university's land grant mission continuously ever since. FAPRI leaders oversee a team of about a dozen people that generates research for non-academic and academic audiences, teaches undergraduate and graduate students, supports and undertakes extension, and conducts service for DASS, CAFNR, MU, and science. The FAPRI leaders also interact with campus leadership to deliver successful outcomes, as recognized by the CAFNR Program of Distinction awarded to FAPRI and the Curator's Distinguished Professor awarded to the current Director.

DASS is one of six academic units in CAFNR. The Division is dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice through effective teaching, innovative research, and meaningful engagement. We strive to bridge the gap between social and natural sciences, to enhance the capabilities of individuals, communities, and enterprises in the agricultural system and beyond, and to prepare students to address complex societal challenges and make a positive impact in the world. By fostering a culture of community, creativity, collaboration, and commitment to lifelong learning, we ensure that our teaching, research, and engagement efforts are informed by social context, human needs, and robust scientific methods. We aim to deliver a small college experience within a large university, providing personalized attention and cultivating strong connections among students, faculty, and staff. In addition to FAPRI, DASS is home to several other research and outreach centers, including the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center, the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership, the Financial Research Institute, the McQuinn Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and the Interdisciplinary Center for Food Security. DASS has a strong tradition of granting faculty extraordinary latitude to develop new and innovative centers, programs, and activities.

Position Responsibilities: Key responsibilities will include the following:

1. Deliver timely, objective, and policy-relevant research that supports decision making in public policy in our nation's capital.
2. Maintain an active outreach research program that supports public and private decision making in other contexts, including in rural Missouri and elsewhere.
3. Teach undergraduate or graduate students on related topics, such as applied economics for policy and market analysis.
4. Take a leadership role at a research Center that has a staff of approximately a dozen people who are devoted to FAPRI's mission.
5. Work closely with collaborators at MU and other universities to maintain long-standing and mutually advantageous relationships. Participate in interdisciplinary research teams.
6. Engage in service, which constitutes a minority portion of the position, but can include such activities as committee service (at DASS, CAFNR, or MU level), scientific association activities, and reviewing for, or editing, journals.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in agricultural or applied economics, regional science, or a related social sciences discipline at the time of application.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience working with economic models in the evaluation of policy, with a preference for detailed partial equilibrium models. Ability to lead a team of applied economists to support decision making with objective assessments of policy options on short notice. Experience related to the United States legislative and executive processes to create and implement policy, preferably through employment experience at USDA or in government, or with an industry or commodity group on policy related matters. Experience delivering policy-relevant results without giving recommendations. Knowledge of agriculture, food and biofuels markets and policies. Ability to communicate with audiences across multiple sectors including policy makers, farmers, food industry representatives, commodity groups and academics. Evidence of sustained success in an academic setting, including by maintaining existing funding and showing the potential to attract new funding. Capability to collaborate on or lead academically oriented and interdisciplinary research.

Applications will be reviewed starting June 1, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Please visit https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings and search for Job ID 55340 to submit an application. All applications must include a letter of interest in the position, current Curriculum Vitae, relevant scholarship-related work samples, contact information for three professional references, and other supporting materials.

Specific inquiries regarding this position may be directed to Wyatt Thompson (thompsonw@missouri.edu).

University of Missouri, Columbia Campus: The University of Missouri, Columbia (Mizzou) is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System and was established in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi. Mizzou is one of the nation's top-tier Research 1 (R1) universities and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). University of Missouri is a nationally competitive, global university and Missouri's largest public research university. Mizzou is one of only five universities nationwide that offers law, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, engineering and a nuclear research reactor on one campus.

Columbia, Missouri: Columbia is consistently ranked among the top small cities to live in America. A vibrant university town located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia offers low cost of living, is home to nationally renowned public schools, higher education, and excellent health care. University of Missouri Health Care (UMHC) is an academic health care system operated by the University of Missouri System. UMHC includes six hospitals and offers more than 50 primary and specialty clinics. Columbia has easy access to airports from Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.