Research Assistant/Associate

Position Details Position Information Requisition Number S3408P Home Org Name Agricultural Econ & Rural Sociol Division Name College of Agriculture Position Title Research Assistant/Associate Job Class Code HA01/2 Appointment Status Full-time Part-time FTE Limited Term Yes Limited Term Length 2 years Job Summary This is a two-year limited term appointment. Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funds. The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Research Assistant or Associate with a primary focus on understanding how farmers make profitable decisions about irrigation in Alabama. The economics and rural sociology team is part of a broader effort with environmental scientists, crop & soil scientists, and environmental engineers that are building integrated models of Alabama farms to ensure increased irrigation is also sustainable. This is a 24-month limited-term appointment and is funded from external sources. Continuation of employment is past 24-months is contingent upon availability of funds and skills required, as well as performance. The individual selected for this position will report to Dr. Joshua M. Duke and Dr. Adam Rabinowitz to assist with building models of the irrigation economics on model farms around Alabama. This individual will also work with four other Auburn University agricultural economics and rural sociology faculty in the development and refining of farm models. Interdisciplinary work is also expected with agricultural scientists and engineers on the broader Auburn University team to integrate scientific results and models into the representative economic farm models. The University: Auburn was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama's best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years. Learn more about Auburn's impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn. The Department: Discovering and transmitting socio-economic knowledge to students, Alabama, and the world is our mission. As a multidisciplinary department, 14 faculty members are agricultural economists and 3 are rural sociologists. This includes a mix of research, teaching, and extension appointments to achieve the department's mission in conjunction with other university departments, industry, and organizations. There has been an opportunity to hire 7 new tenure-track faculty in the past 4 years. Faculty and students publish in top journals in their respective disciplines. The Department has excellent facilities, an experimental economics laboratory, over 190 undergraduate students, and about 30-35 M.S. and Ph.D. students. The department website can be accessed at: A department facilities video can be viewed at: Extension: The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach organization for the land grant mission of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University. Its educational programs grow from these two land grant university campuses to serve the people of Alabama. Science-based educational programs are delivered that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Information and programs are available online or in person through all 67 County Extension Offices and at teaching sites throughout Alabama communities. For more information, please see The Community: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We're proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you're new to Auburn, we'd love to introduce you. If you're already acquainted with Auburn, we'll keep it simple: it's time to come home. The City of Auburn website has information on the community and services that can be accessed at: Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all. Essential Functions Specific responsibilities include the following: Collect data (such as agricultural input cost data) from secondary sources. Engage with agricultural producers and experts in Alabama via interviews for data collection. Analyze and present these data in spreadsheet format. Use team knowledge and prior studies to create variables in the Alabama farm models that measure previously identified barriers to irrigation adoption. Integrate results/models from scientists and engineers on the broader team with the representative farms in spreadsheet format. Create additional scenarios in the initial models during year 2. Conduct structured interviews of farmers and experts to ground-truth and adjust the models. Prepare periodic reports and present results on team progress, including Extension publications and farmer outreach. Perform other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Research Assistant I: Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; no experience required. Research Assistant II: Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; 2 years of experience relevant to the position. Research Assistant III: Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; 4 years of experience relevant to the position. Research Assistant IV: Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; 6 years of experience relevant to the position. Research Associate I: Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; no experience required. Research Associate II: Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; 2 years of experience relevant to the position. Research Associate III: Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; 4 years of experience relevant to the position. Research Associate IV: Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Environmental Studies, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Business, Rural Sociology, or closely related field; 6 years of experience relevant to the position. Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications Minimum Skills and Abilities Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently and with a team. Minimum Technology Skills Must have strong quantitative and spreadsheet skills; Proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel. Minimum License and Certifications A valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to selection is required; Must be able to travel within the state. Desired Qualifications Desired Qualifications Experience with developing enterprise budgets and stochastic modeling is desired, as well as interview and focus group experience. Posting Detail Information Salary Range $33,300 - $92,500 Job Category Research Working Hours if Non-Traditional City position is located in: Auburn State position is located: Alabama List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position Posting Date 02/12/2024 Closing Date EEO Statement A commitment to an inclusive and diverse campus environment is required. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Special Instructions to Applicants Please utilize the attachment feature and attach a cover letter and resume. Submit application by April 1, 2024, for full consideration. Application review will continue until a sufficient applicant pool is available but no later than July 1, 2024. Only complete application materials will be accepted for review. Quick Link for Internal Postings Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ( ). Please select how you first became aware of this opportunity. Your response helps us determine how we can more effectively reach our candidates . click apply for full job details