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 in Quantitative Methods. The successful candidate will develop a research program that applies quantitative methods (econometrics, computational economics, experimental and/or behavioral economics, or survey techniques) to understand evolving issues in the agrifood system and/or the environment and will teach courses in applied quantitative methods. The expected start date is August 19, 2020.

Responsibilities: This is a 9-month tenure-track position with 40% instruction and 60% research appointment. The successful candidate will be responsible for assuming a key role in undergraduate and graduate quantitative courses. The expected course load is 3 courses per year, including undergraduate quantitative methods, PhD level econometrics, and related graduate-level courses.

Research responsibilities include developing a nationally recognized research program addressing emerging areas in the economics of food, agriculture, and natural resources, seeking competitive funding, and regularly publishing in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals. Potential research areas include but are not limited to agribusiness management, food/agricultural marketing, policy analysis, household/consumer economics, behavioral economics, sustainability, agri-environmental issues, and/or bio-economic modeling. The successful applicant will work with departmental faculty and in multi-disciplinary teams to study existing and emerging issues in agriculture and the environment. Service to the department, college, university, and profession is expected.

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Business Administration, Management, Finance, Data Science or closely related applied social science by the expected position start date. The successful candidate will have excellent quantitative and applied econometrics skills. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, students, and stakeholders to develop collaborative research and teaching programs. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required.

Desired qualifications include relevant publication record, evidence of working in teams, a record of securing/attempting to secure extramural funding, relevant government or industry experience, and/or documented experience or ability to function as an effective instructor.

Application: Applicants must apply for the position electronically through: http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3809 and submit the following: 1) cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) job market paper, and 4) three professional reference letters. Short-listed candidates may be required to submit transcripts detailing quantitative methods training. Only complete application materials will be considered. Active review of applications will begin November 1, 2019, but the search will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to:


Dr. Valentina Hartarska
Search Committee Chair
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
210 Comer Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5417
Email: hartarska@auburn.edu

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 an undergraduate degree in Agribusiness and Economics, a MS in Agricultural Economics, a MS in Rural Sociology, and a PhD in Applied Economics. More information can be found at http://aers.auburn.edu/.


The University: Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions. 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 teaching excellence, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctor’s degrees in agriculture and engineering, the professions, and the arts and sciences. Its 2018 enrollment of 30,440 students includes 24,628 undergraduates and 5,812 graduate and professional students. Organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, Auburn’s 1,450 faculty members offer more than 200 educational programs. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its positive work environment, its student engagement, and its status as a Carnegie R1 institution.

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.



Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer