Postdoctoral Research Assocate

Texas A&M University System; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 63,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life and long‑

sick leave and holidays

On-site work benefits

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Dr. Pourya Valizadeh on U.S.

domestic food policy research, using large transaction-level data and state-of-the-art machine learning and causal inference methods. The project includes evaluating SNAP purchase restrictions and how various food policies affect household purchases of ultra-processed foods, with opportunities to publish journal articles, present at conferences, and collaborate

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, completed by the start date.
• Attach certifying letter if degree conferral is pending.
• Experience with SNAP or food and nutrition programs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate SNAP purchase restrictions and other food and nutrition policies.
• Study how various food policies affect household purchases of ultra-processed foods.
• Clean and analyze transaction-level purchase data using econometric and machine learning methods.
• Write journal articles; present findings at conferences and meetings.
• Collaborate with the research team and support grant reports and proposals.

Skills

Stata

Strong communication

Team and independent work

Education

Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics

Tools

Python

Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Assocate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Agricultural Economics

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Position Information

Job Summary:

To work with Dr. Pourya Valizadeh on U.S. domestic food policy research under general supervision. Projects include, but are not limited to, evaluating SNAP purchase restrictions and studying how various food policies affect household purchases of ultra-processed foods. The work uses large transaction-level food purchase data and state-of-the-art machine learning and causal inference methods.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate SNAP purchase restrictions and other food and nutrition assistance policies.
• Study how various food policies affect household purchases of ultra-processed foods.
• Clean and analyze transaction-level purchase data (e.g., Circana, NielsenIQ) using econometric and machine learning methods.
• Work with restricted data in Administrative Data Research Facilities (ADRFs).
• Write journal articles; present findings at conferences and meetings.
• Collaborate with the research team and support grant reports and proposals.
• Other research duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Stata.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team and independently.

Required Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, completed by the start date.
• In order to be considered for this position prior to your doctoral degree being conferred, please attach a letter from your school's official Graduate Office, Registrar's Office or PhD Committee Chair certifying that all requirements for the doctoral degree have been met and stating the degree conferral date.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Research experience on SNAP or other food and nutrition programs.
• Experience with program evaluation methods (e.g., difference-in-differences, event studies).
• Experience analyzing transaction-level or scanner purchase data (e.g., Circana, NielsenIQ).
• Experience working with restricted data in an ADRF or similar secure data environment.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience applying machine learning methods.

What You Need to Know

Salary: $63,000-$66,000, commensurate with experience.

Position Funding

This is a 1-year position funded through grants or contracts. Employment is contingent upon the continued availability of funding and satisfactory job performance.

Flexible Work Arrangements

This position requires on-site presence and is not eligible for remote work. Flexible work schedules may be available depending on the nature of the role.

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Benefits and Leave

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12-15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at lea