Assistant Professor – Climate Economist
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 60% research and 40% extension assignment. The anticipated start date is August 15, 2024.
This position is part of the newly launched MSU-CANR Agricultural Climate Resiliency Initiative and will provide expertise and leadership in climate-focused research and outreach/extension programming to Michigan’s agri-food sector as part of an extensive cluster of hires across the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The successful candidate is expected to develop an independent, externally funded, nationally recognized research and outreach/extension program on climate and agriculture. The successful applicant’s program is expected to focus on one or more aspects of climate change, climate resiliency, climate adaptation, and mitigation with respect to Michigan agriculture and its strong diversity. The successful candidate will also be expected to work with agri-food organizations, commodity groups, and extension academic staff to evaluate climate policies and programs. There will be collaboration opportunities within AFRE, as Environmental Economics and Agri-food Economics are pillars of AFRE’s research and teaching programs. There will also be opportunities to work with multidisciplinary teams of research scientists, extension educators, and stakeholders using integrative approaches to solve important questions facing Michigan’s agri-food system. Scholarship and publications in peer-reviewed journals in line with the individual’s research focus is expected. Graduate student advising is also expected.
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. Both new Ph.D.’s and those with prior academic experience are encouraged to apply.
The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics: One of the leading departments in the United States, AFRE counts over 45 faculty, 62 graduate students, and 400 undergraduate students. AFRE faculty are highly regarded within the profession and include four AAEA Fellows, a past President of AAEA, and a current AAEA Board Director. Our primary foci are environmental economics, agri-food and agri-business, development economics, and regional economics. 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 and other support 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 AFRE 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).
To Apply: For consideration, submit your application online at http://careers.msu.edu to job number {#}. Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and a statement highlighting how your experiences align with the position; b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals; and d) contact information for three professional references.
Review of Applications: Screening of applicants will begin on February 28, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Alan Ker, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, USA. keralan1@msu.edu
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.