Post Doctoral Fellow - Social Scientist in Agriculture and Digital Technologies

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The University of Missouri's Center for Regenerative Agriculture is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in social science to join an interdisciplinary team in Columbia, MO. The role focuses on the socio-economic impact and adoption behavior of digital livestock technologies and related surveys.

Responsibilities include co-leading producer surveys, managing and analyzing large quantitative datasets, applying diffusion of innovations and technology acceptance frameworks, and contributing to

Qualifications

• PhD in sociology, applied agricultural economics, rural sociology, natural resources social sciences, or related social science discipline by appointment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead design and implementation of producer surveys.
• Manage, clean, and analyze quantitative datasets with reproducible workflows.
• Apply social science theories to research design and interpretation.
• Lead or co-lead peer-reviewed manuscripts and dissemination materials.

Skills

Quantitative data analysis

Survey design

Statistical software (R, Stata, SPSS)

Mixed methods research

Technical writing

Education

PhD in sociology / related social science

Tools

R

Stata

SPSS

Job description

Job Description

Position Type: Full-time, 12-month

Seeking a highly motivated social science researcher to join our interdisciplinary team at the University of Missouri's Center for Regenerative Agriculture. This postdoc will play a key role in a NIFA-AFRI Social Implications of Digital Technologies funded grant focused on the socio-economic impact and adoption behavior of virtual fencing technologies for livestock in Missouri and Colorado (Note: the postdoc will be based in Columbia, Missouri)

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a farmer-focused applied research project on an interdisciplinary team and contribute to other Center for Regenerative Agriculture research and extension projects. You will work under the supervision of the PI, Dr. Kelly Wilson, Assistant Professor in School of Natural Resources, and the Associate Director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Co-lead design and implementation of producer surveys, including survey development, administration, and monitoring response rates to reduce nonresponse.
• Manage, clean, and analyze quantitative datasets using reproducible workflows, including statistical analyses.
• Provide quantitative methodological expertise to the research team, including advising on survey measurement, selection of statistical analytical approaches, and interpretation of findings
• Apply social science theoretical frameworks (e.g., diffusion of innovations, technology acceptance, behavioral models) to research design, measurement, and interpretation
• Integrate survey findings with qualitative data from farmer interviews in a mixed methods design
• Support qualitative data collection and analysis with farmers and farm partners as needed
• Liaise with technology development collaborators including virtual fencing companies and project partners.
• Lead or co-lead peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication, and contribute to the disseminate of research findings through extension bulletins, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification: PhD in sociology, applied agricultural economics, rural sociology, natural resources social sciences, or any other related social science discipline by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Relevant research experience in agriculture, rural communities, technology adoption, or related areas
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and application of quantitative approaches to social science research.
• Quantitative research skills (priority for this position), including proficiency with statistical software such as R, Stata, SPSS, with demonstrated experience applying statistical methods to empirical research questions.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing survey research projects from instrument development through analysis
• Demonstrated ability to select, justify, and apply appropriate quantitative analytical methods, including regression-based approaches and multivariate analysis.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative in research activities, and contribute methodological expertise within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Record of conducting social science research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with advanced quantitative methods (e.g., structural equation modeling, multilevel models, discrete choice or experimental survey designs)
• Experience with mixed methods research
• Experience working with farmers, particularly in the Midwest
• Background or interest in the impacts of technology in agriculture
• Experience developing quantitative manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, including presenting and interpreting statistical findings

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.