Research Assistant Professor
The Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies at North Dakota State University seeks to appoint a promising early career researcher in international economics. This research assistant professor position is funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and has an anticipated start date of August 16, 2025. This is a full-time, non-tenure track position.
Primary criteria are the quality of the applicant’s research and interest/experience in international economics. The position provides an outstanding opportunity for independent research and opportunities for collaboration. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of researchers from NDSU, UC Davis, and USDA-ERS to evaluate the trade and welfare implications of GMO regulations. The postdoctoral research associate is expected to participate actively in the University’s intellectual activities and may participate in the teaching program.
Minimum Qualifications: Successful applicants must have received a doctoral degree in economics or related fields, preferably within the last two years (or expected by August 2025). They should have excellent oral and written communication skills and advanced training in international economics. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
Preferred Qualifications: Include a record of extramural funding and publications; advanced training and analytical experience in international economics, specifically quantitative trade modeling and the application of machine learning techniques to economic research problems, including the demonstrated ability to analyze detailed firm-level and satellite data using advanced statistical methods. The successful candidate can work independently and collegially with colleagues from diverse disciplines and experiences.
Starting Date: August 16, 2025, or as negotiated.
To apply for the position, please provide the following documents:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research
• One (or at the most two) research papers/job market paper
• Three confidential letters of reference
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Sandro Steinbach at sandro.steinbach@ndsu.edu. The salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. To ensure full consideration for interviews, applications should be received no later than February 15, 2025. The interviews take place virtually by mid-March 2025. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
About the Department, the University, and the Region:
The Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics has developed strong regional support for the excellence of its teaching, research, and outreach programs. The Department comprises twelve tenure-track faculty, three research professors, and ten lecturers and research or Extension specialists. Research strengths include risk and trading, agribusiness, agricultural policy, and international trade. Faculty in the Department are actively involved in interdisciplinary research and teaching, especially in collaboration with the Great Plains Institute of Food Safety, the School of Natural Resource Sciences, and the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute. The Department offers three undergraduate majors (Economics, Agricultural Economics, and Agribusiness) and one M.S. degree (Agribusiness and Applied Economics). The Department contributes to several interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs at North Dakota State University.
Recent improvements in research activities have elevated the University’s research rankings and increased research budgets through greater success in attaining extramural funding. Extensive engagement with agribusiness firms, both domestic and international, is encouraged. Almost 15,000 students attend NDSU, which is an ADVANCE institution and Carnegie Very High Research Activity Institution.
Fargo-Moorhead enjoys one of the strongest economies of the Upper Midwest. Growth is driven by financial services, technology and software firms, agricultural manufacturing and food processing, and retailing. Fargo-Moorhead is the largest metropolitan area between Minneapolis and Spokane, Washington. In the past few years, several magazines have proclaimed Fargo-Moorhead as one of the most stress-free metropolitan areas in America. “Quality of Life” is one of the most often repeated phrases people use when describing the region. The Fargo-Moorhead community has many qualities that contribute to this reputation, including an excellent K-12 educational system, three universities (NDSU, Minnesota State University-Moorhead, and Concordia College), advanced medical technology, a progressive business community, clean air and water, and a low cost of living relative to comparable metropolitan areas. A recent study by the Lung Association ranked Fargo as one of two U.S. cities with the cleanest air. Fargo-Moorhead is a bustling and active metropolitan area of approximately 230,000 people offering a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, as well as an active and diverse visual and performing arts community.
NDSU is an equal-opportunity institution. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. NDSU is an EEO/AA-MF/ Vet/ Disability.
To apply, visit https://prd.hcm.ndus.edu/psc/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=2951876&PostingSeq=1&. (See posting for details.)