Postdoctoral Research Associate to Conduct Economic Research on the Implications of Changes in Mountain Snow-Pack on Water Allocation
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Connecticut
Title and Specialization
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Specialization: Applied Micro Theory; Water Allocation in Agriculture
The University of Connecticut’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral research associate position. This position is funded through USDA NIFA as part of the project, “Evaluating Alternative Water Institution Performance in Snow-Dominated Basin: Are Food Productions Systems at Risk from Changing Snow Water Availability.” Information about the project is at: https://packpages.unr.edu/snowcap.
Duties and Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities will involve collaboration with several economists at multiple universities and institutions, as well as with researchers from various disciplines to evaluate how changes in mountain snowpack affect water availability, the effectiveness of existing and alternative water allocation institutions and policies in managing for change, optimal decision-making, and the distribution of economic costs and benefits from snow pack changes. The project features three economic components, with this position focusing on one of these; Dynamic optimization to incorporate stochastic water availability to assess alternative allocation mechanisms. However, the position requires close collaboration and coordination with researchers working on the project’s other two economic models. Occasional travel for work with members of the project team will be required as necessary. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in collaborative research, ability to publish, and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. A PhD is required upon hiring.
Required Qualifications: Experience with stochastic dynamic optimization for natural resource economics; PhD in Applied and Agricultural Economics, Economics, or closely related field
Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of western water rights and allocation institutions; Experience with modeling agricultural production; Experience with hydrological models
Effective Start Date: This position is available June 1, 2020; however, the start date is negotiable.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application process: To apply, please follow the link below and upload the following: (1) A cover letter addressing your qualifications; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) a writing sample, (4) graduate transcripts (unofficial versions acceptable for application), (5) commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles), and (6) please follow the instructions in EconJobMarket.org to direct three reference writers to submit letters of references on your behalf.
For inquiries about the position, contact Karen Nye at karen.nye@uconn.edu.
Assessment of candidates begins on March 1, 2020, and continues until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2020.
About the Department and University of Connecticut: The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is ranked by RePEC in the top 25 world-wide for Agricultural Economics Institutions, and in the top 20 in the U.S. among Agricultural Economics University Departments. The department has 13 faculty members, approximately 100 undergraduates and 45 graduate students (over 25 PhDs). It offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and is internationally recognized in the areas of Agribusiness & Food Marketing, Environmental & Resource Economics, and Economic Development. The Department also hosts the Zwick Center for Food & Resource Policy (zwickcenter.uconn.edu). We are located on the University’s main campus in Storrs, within driving distance of Boston and New York City.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which can be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.