Assistant Professor - Agricultural and Food Policy

Assistant Professor – Agricultural and Food Policy

Dept. of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

 Michigan State University

Position description: The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) at Michigan State University invites applications for a full‐time, 9-month, tenure track Assistant Professor with a 50% research, 15% teaching, and 35% outreach/extension assignment.  The position start date is anticipated to be August 15, 2022.

This position will provide expertise and leadership in policy-focused research and outreach/extension programming.  The successful candidate is expected to develop an independent, externally funded, nationally recognized research and outreach/extension program emphasizing agricultural and food policy.  The successful applicant’s research and outreach/extension program is expected to focus on one or more aspects of agriculture or food value chains, and to aid producers and agribusinesses in Michigan and elsewhere. The successful candidate will be expected to work with agri-food organizations and commodity groups to evaluate policy issues and provide analysis regarding impacts and implications.  The individual filling this position will have the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams of research scientists, extension educators, and stakeholders using integrative approaches to solve important questions facing the agri-food system.  Scholarship and publications in peer-reviewed journals in line with the individual’s research focus is expected. Teaching responsibilities will include one undergraduate course per year (normally 3 credits) in a related field as well as graduate student advising.

Required qualifications: The successful candidate is expected to have a Ph.D. in Agricultural or Applied Economics, Economics, or a closely related field. 

Desired qualifications: The successful candidate should possess excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with other researchers and stakeholders.  Although not required, value will be placed on evidence of successful applied research or extension experience, grant-writing, and teaching.

The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University prepares the next generation of economists and managers to meet the needs of the food, agricultural, and natural resource system in Michigan and around the world. One of the leading departments in the United States, AFRE counts over 50 faculty, 70 graduate students and 450 undergraduate students (with three majors: Agribusiness Management, Food Industry Management, and Environmental Economics and Management). Our faculty and students address societal policy questions and solve practical problems involving producers, consumers, and the environment.  For more information on the department, see: www.afre.msu.edu.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support can be found at http://miwin.msu.edu/. Information about WorkLife at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.  Candidates are invited to view the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics' community norms at https://www.canr.msu.edu/afre/about/community-norms

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).

Application and Materials: For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number 743751. Application materials must include: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position; b) a combined research and extension/outreach statement addressing how the candidate envisions their research and extension/outreach program; c) a statement of teaching and graduate student advising philosophy; d) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals, including a summary of your experience with, or interest in working in, diverse classrooms and communities; e) current curriculum vitae; f) a writing sample (i.e., job market paper); and g) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of Applications: Screening of applicants will begin on December 6, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Rick Horan, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Email: pfsearch@msu.edu; phone: (517) 355-1301. 

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees’ work and personal life, and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.