Auburn University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Professor/Extension Economist with a primary focus on agricultural marketing and risk management. This is a 12-month tenure track position (75% extension and 25% research). The successful candidate will develop best practices and strategies related to marketing that will increase profitability and sustainability of agricultural enterprises in Alabama and beyond. He or she will work with producers of agronomic crops, poultry, livestock, and to some extent horticultural crops with strategies for managing risk through the use of: (1) marketing tactics, (2) crop insurance and other agricultural policy provisions, (3) disaster preparedness, (4) technology adoption, and (5) improved budgeting. The successful candidate will develop a highly visible research-based program and deliver innovative strategies to stakeholders locally and nationally. The expected start date is on or before August 1, 2020.

Specific responsibilities include the following:

• Collaborate with other professionals at both Auburn University and other institutions, including USDA AFRI integrated programs and the USDA-ARS-FSIMP program, to develop and disseminate high-quality research and extension education programs.
• The individual will serve as a member of Extension’s Farm and Agribusiness Management Program Planning Team to assist in developing and implementing educational programming.
• Disseminate Experiment Station publications, departmental papers, timely information, and popular press articles.
• Generate significant scholarly output including articles in peer-reviewed journals and extension publications.
• Provide leadership to the profession through state, regional and national professional society participation.
• Seek and successfully acquire external funding to support the development and delivery of extension programs
• Use workshops, county/state/regional presentations, mass media and online delivery to reach the target audience.

Qualifications include an earned Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Applied Economics or closely related applied social science or business field from an accredited institution at the time employment begins. Desired qualifications include a practical knowledge of U.S. and global agriculture as well as excellent knowledge of microeconomic theory and quantitative methods. Evidence of the ability to conduct research is essential as is excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment begins and must be able to work legally in the United States for the proposed term of employment.

Application: Applicants must apply for this position by visiting the link: http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3815 and attach the following:
1. Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the position’s responsibilities
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. A “job market” paper, e.g. a piece of original research (published or unpublished) that demonstrates the candidate’s training, skills, and aptitude.

NOTE: Unofficial transcripts may be requested from short-listed candidates and official academic transcripts for all degrees will be required for the successful applicant. An extension philosophy statement and research interest statement may also be requested from the short-listed candidates.

When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, email addresses, and phone numbers for three (3) professional references. References will be requested for short-listed candidates. Only completed application materials will be considered. Review of applications will begin on November 2, 2019, and the acceptance of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled. Please contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Patricia Duffy, duffypa@auburn.edu with questions and details on the status of the search.

The Department: The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology (DAERS) has 14 full-time faculty, 4 extension specialists, and over 200 undergraduate and 21 graduate students. It offers undergraduate degree in Agribusiness and Economics, three master’s degrees – including one in Rural Sociology – and a doctoral degree in Applied Economics. More information can be found at http://aers.auburn.edu/.

The University: Auburn University (http://www.auburn.edu/) is a land grant university with a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) designation. In 2019, it was ranked 52nd among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Auburn maintains high levels of research activity and high standards for outreach and teaching excellence. Auburn’s 1,450 faculty members are organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral degrees in agriculture and engineering, the professions, and the arts and sciences, for a total of over 200 academic programs. Its 2018 enrollment of 30,440 students includes 24,628 undergraduates and 5,812 graduate and professional students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its positive work environment, and its student engagement.

The Community: Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community and Auburn is recognized as one of the “best small towns in America.” In addition to a moderate climate, there is easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public school systems and regional medical centers. See https://www.auburnalabama.org/ for more information about the community.


Auburn University if an EEO/VET/Disability Employer