Assistant or Associate Professor in Regional and Agricultural Economics

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated assistant or associate professor in agricultural economics. This nine-month, tenure-track position emphasizes a blend of research and teaching, focusing on regional economics and rural development. The successful candidate will engage in impactful research, secure external funding, and mentor students while contributing to a diverse and inclusive academic environment. Join a vibrant community committed to advancing knowledge and fostering growth in agriculture and economics. If you are passionate about making a difference in education and research, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in agricultural or applied economics required.
• Experience in research and grant competition preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a recognized research program in regional economics.
• Teach courses in Agribusiness Management and related programs.

Skills

Quantitative Skills

Communication Skills

Research Skills

Grant Writing

Teaching Experience

Education

Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics

Ph.D. in Applied Economics

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday (here) to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
2. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
3. IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (here).

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

This is a nine-month, tenure-track position in agricultural economics at the assistant or associate professor level with a 60% research and 40% teaching responsibility. The successful applicant will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program focused on regional economics and rural economic development. Pertinent topics, among others, include regional food systems, rural-urban disparities, firm location decisions, issues and opportunities along the rural-urban interface, regional labor markets, and land use changes and policies. Teaching expectations will be three courses per year consisting of two or three per year in the Agribusiness Management (AGBM) undergraduate program, and possibly one per year in either the Energy, Environmental, and Food Economics (EEFE) graduate program, Community, Environment, and Development (CED) undergraduate program, or Community and Economic Development (CEDEV) graduate program. The successful candidate will be expected to secure external funding, and to advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Penn State is home to the Center for Economic and Community Development (CECD), an applied research center dedicated to strengthening local and regional development in Pennsylvania and beyond. Penn State also hosts the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD), one of the nation’s four Regional Rural Development Centers which work in partnership with the land grant university system to address crucial needs in our nation’s rural communities. In addition, Penn State is home to the Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences (SAFES), an interdisciplinary, science-to-practice platform to accelerate solutions to landscape-level challenges in agriculture, food, and the environment. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to join CECD, NERCRD, and SAFES as a faculty affiliate.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in agricultural or applied economics, or related field, with experience in research and competing for grants on agricultural economics topics preferred. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date. Applicants should demonstrate excellent quantitative and communication skills and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams. The ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students is required, and the successful candidate will actively strive to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. Documented teaching experience is preferred.

Application Requirements: Review of applications will begin on March 17, 2025, with a start date of August 1, 2025, or as negotiated. Candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, up to three representative publications or working papers, a statement of research experiences/future interests, and a statement of teaching/pedagogy related to the position description. In addition, every candidate must submit a “Reflection on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” document as part of their portfolio. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies. Questions can be directed to the Search Committee chair: Dr. Stephan Goetz ([e-mail]).

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

AESE is a welcoming community with our scholarship focusing on people, society, and economic systems grounded in theory and methods from the economic, social, and behavioral sciences. Faculty and students develop and employ rigorous approaches to discover fundamental and applied principles that advance science in their core disciplines. AESE strives to improve the health, prosperity, and welfare of people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond. Our core areas for teaching and research are (1) Agricultural and Food Systems, (2) Community Development and Engagement, (3) Environment and Natural Resources, and (4) Population Processes in Global Perspective. The Department offers three resident and one online graduate programs and oversees four undergraduate majors. For more information visit our site at here.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster here.

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action here.

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information here.

Hotlines

University Park, PA