Assistant Research Economist

Oklahoma-State-University; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

OSU-Stillwater in Stillwater, OK seeks a Research Economist to contribute a portfolio of applied research. The project unfolds in two phases: county-level analyses of agricultural water use and food system resilience from Sep 2026 to Feb 2027, and studies on county-level agricultural trade patterns from Mar 2027 to Feb 2029. Required qualifications include a Ph.D./Ed.D.

in Economics, Public Policy, or related field, and at least 3 years in policy research. Preferred: Ph.D./Ed.D.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Skills

Quantitative and qualitative research

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Ph.D./Ed.D. in Economics, Public Policy, or related field

Job description

Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

John Schoenman, [e-mail]

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$75000 - $85000

Commensurate with education and experience

Priority Application Date

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by 2026-11-13 to ensure full consideration.

About this Position

The Research Economist will contribute a portfolio of applied research. The research program proceeds in two phases. In the first phase (Sep - Feb 2027), the research teams will complete county-level network analyses of agricultural water usage and an assessment of food system resilience following COVID-19. In the second phase (March 2027 to February 2029), the research team will undertake a series of studies examining county-level agricultural trade patterns, leveraging the U.S. Census Bureau's Longitudinal Firm Trade Transactions Database (LFTTD) and the Plant-Level Export Transactions (PLEXT) data built from it to investigate topics including but not limited to food miles, regional trade flows, and other dimensions of agricultural commerce.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D./Ed.D.

  Economics, Public Policy, or related field.

  (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• At least 3 years of experience in policy research, analysis, or related roles.

Additional post-secondary education beyond requirements may substitute for years of required experience.

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D./Ed.D.

  PhD in Agricultural Economics

• At least 5 years of experience in policy research, analysis, or related roles.

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

Track record of publications or presentations on agricultural economics

Leadership experience, including project management and team coordination