Research Professional I (Part Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Arizona is seeking a part-time Research Professional I to support applied research, data analysis, and economic evaluations for Beginning Producers in Arizona. The role involves graduate-level econometrics and data management to inform Extension, partners, and producers.

The position offers a hybrid/flex schedule and is an Extended Temporary Employment with a 24-hour work week. Visa sponsorship is not available. Compensation is hourly, with full benefits included for eligible staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent+1 year of relevant work experience.
• Master's degree in a related quantitative field preferred, with graduate econometrics/statistics training.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate producer and market information for various local food markets.
• Prepare publication-quality tables, figures, and economic summaries.
• Support assessment of economic trade-offs for climate-smart practices.
• Compile, clean, merge, and document diverse data sources; maintain confidentiality.
• Apply econometric methods including regression, panel-data, and causal-inference where appropriate.

Skills

Oral communication

Confidential information handling

Analytical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

R

Python

Time Series Processor (TSP)

Job description

Research Professional I (Part Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)

This Research Professional I position will support applied research, data analysis, and outcome evaluations for a project targeting Limited Beginning Producers in Arizona, along with related economics analyses. The individual will work with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and nonprofit partners, seeking to improve land access, business management, climate-smart production, marketing, and the economic viability of beginning farmers and ranchers across Arizona. The position will use graduate-level training in agricultural and applied economics, econometrics, statistics, and research data management to analyze producer-level and program data, assess changes in business and management practices, and develop evidence useful to Extension personnel, project partners, and agricultural producers. Research will address the economic dimensions of farm establishment and expansion, farm financial decisions, market opportunities, agricultural credit and risk management, and the adoption of production practices.

This position is eligible for a hybrid and flex schedule.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services,

Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluate producer and market information related to direct sales, community-supported agriculture, wholesale opportunities, restaurant markets, and other local food marketing arrangements.
• Prepare publication-quality tables, figures, charts, and concise economic summaries for project reports, Extension materials, grant reporting, scholarly manuscripts, and presentations for producer and policy audiences.
• Support assessment of economic trade-offs associated with climate-smart practices, including soil amendments, cover crops, irrigation, drought management, and practices that extend growing seasons.
• Compile, clean, merge, validate, and document data from participant surveys, training assessments, farm records, agricultural markets, government programs, and other relevant research sources; maintain confidentiality and appropriate data-handling practices.
• Apply statistical and econometric methods appropriate to the structure and quality of available data, including descriptive and comparative analysis, regression, panel-data methods, fixed effects, and causal-inference approaches when research designs permit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively orally with faculty and agricultural producers.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate analytical findings clearly in lay-oriented materials and technical publications.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Statistics, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Graduate-level training in econometrics, statistics, production economics, or quantitative applied economic analysis.
• Experience using R or Python and TSP (Time Series Processor) for statistical programming, economic analysis, and data visualization.
• Experience managing and analyzing research datasets, including data cleaning, merging, documentation, and quality checks.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

24

Job FTE

.60

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$22.77 - $28.46

Compensation Type

hourly rate

Grade

6

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC1

Job Family

Researchers & Scientists

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

1/4/2027

Expected End Date

8/1/2027

Contact Information for Candidates

Russell Tronstad
[e-mail]

Open Date

10/27/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].

Posting Number

req27466

Department

Agricultural Resource Econ-Res

Department Website Link

https://aaec.arizona.edu/

Location

Tucson Campus

Address

Tucson, AZ USA