Working/Functional Title
Research Associate
Position Summary
Position Summary
The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University announces an available Research Associate (postdoctoral) Fixed Term position for research and capacity building as part of its Zambia-related activities under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy (FSP). The position is available starting June 1, 2018 and is funded through April 30, 2019; the Research Associate will be based at MSU's East Lansing campus but will be required to travel to Zambia at least once during this period.
The Research Associate is expected to provide leadership on research related to agricultural productivity and structural transformation in Zambia. The Research Associate is also expected to engage in capacity building activities with researchers at the Lusaka, Zambia-based Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI).
Specific Position Duties
- Research (80%)
- Develop a conceptual framework relating agricultural productivity and structural transformation
- Use quantitative methods to analyze the relationships between agricultural productivity and structural transformation in Zambia.
- Present the results at national or international conferences
- Lead the writing of and submit to a leading journal for publication a manuscript related to the above-described research
- Backstop at least one IAPRI researcher-led research project
- Backstop the project Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-PIs as requested
- Capacity Building (20%)
- Lead at least one technical training at IAPRI on applied economics or quantitative methods, with the specific topic to be identified in collaboration with IAPRI
- Serve as a resource for IAPRI researchers as they develop research ideas and conduct their research
Required Degree
Doctorate -Agicurtural Economics
Minimum Requirements
Required Degree
- Doctorate agricultural economics, development economics, or related degree
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. in agricultural economics, development economics, or related field
- Excellent communication and academic writing skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to work independently but also as a team player
- A strong work ethic and dedication to high quality research
- A strong commitment to collaborative research and capacity building
Desired Qualifications
- Previous research experience in Zambia
- Previous experience working with Zambia Rural Agricultural Livelihoods Survey (RALS) and Crop Forecast Survey (CFS) data
- Familiarity with the published literature on structural transformation
- GIS skills
- Formal teaching experience and/or previous experience conducting technical trainings for researchers
Required Application Materials
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Two-page statement of research and capacity building interests
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin on May 10, 2018 and will continue until filled.
Advertised: Apr 26, 2018 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
To apply please click here!
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