Junior/Senior Research Economist

Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University

Position: Junior/Senior Research Economist

The Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC) at North Dakota State University invites applications for a career-track position as Junior/Senior Research Economist at the rank of Research Assistant Professor. This appointment offers an exciting opportunity for an individual passionate about advancing applied agricultural policy research and strengthening the Center's analytical capacity in agricultural risk management, farm policy, agricultural credit and lending, and producer decision-making. The successful candidate will contribute to ARPC's mission by producing timely, rigorous, and policy-relevant research and applied policy analysis that informs agricultural policy in the United States.

The Junior/Senior Research Economist will work closely with the ARPC Director and the FCIP Program Leader to help shape the Center's applied research agenda. This collaborative role involves identifying emerging policy priorities, developing empirical research projects, and generating evidence on how agricultural policies, commodity, land, and credit market conditions, financing constraints, and production risks affect producers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. The successful candidate's contributions will be integral to the Center's mission to inform U.S. agricultural policy with data-driven insights relevant to stakeholders and decision-makers.

A vital part of this position is collaborating daily with the ARPC Director and FCIP Program Leader to design and execute projects on agricultural risk management, farm programs, crop insurance, agricultural credit and lending, farm finance, and land markets. The Junior/Senior Research Economist will lead or contribute to ARPC-branded publications, policy briefs, stakeholder reports, presentations, data products, dashboards, peer-reviewed academic publications, and other research products that translate rigorous empirical analysis into practical guidance for policymakers, industry leaders, commodity organizations, and producer groups. In this role, the successful candidate will help bridge the gap between high-quality academic research and the policy questions facing agriculture today.

The Junior/Senior Research Economist will provide leadership in empirical research design, quantitative analysis, and collaborative project development, while contributing to a supportive environment that encourages high-quality applied policy research. Depending on rank and experience, the successful candidate may also mentor junior staff and students, help develop externally funded projects, and support the long-term growth of ARPC initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity for a motivated individual to expand the reach and relevance of ARPC's work through impactful research at the intersection of agricultural policy, risk management, and producer outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the ARPC Leadership to shape ARPC's applied research strategy, ensuring alignment with the Center's goals and mission.
  
  
• Lead or contribute to applied research on agricultural risk management, farm policy, crop insurance, agricultural credit and lending, farm finance, production economics, producer behavior, and commodity, land, and credit market dynamics.
  
  
• Develop peer-reviewed ARPC-branded publications, policy briefs, stakeholder reports, presentations, data products, dashboards, peer-reviewed academic publications, and related research outputs that communicate the implications of agricultural policy and risk management issues.
  
  
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations and external partnerships that expand the reach, quality, and visibility of ARPC research.
  
  
• Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, commodity organizations, producer groups, agribusiness firms, and academic collaborators, to ensure ARPC research remains relevant and responsive to emerging issues.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in agricultural economics, economics, or a closely related field by the start date.
  
  
• Demonstrated expertise in agricultural policy, agricultural risk management, farm programs, crop insurance, agricultural finance or credit markets, production economics, or closely related areas.
  
  
• Strong empirical research skills and evidence of the ability to conduct high-quality applied economic analysis using relevant quantitative methods.
  
  
• Experience with conducting research in reproducible computational environments, including the use of version control systems for managing code and research workflows, and the ability to leverage modern computational tools, including AI-assisted coding, data processing, and analytical workflows, to enhance research productivity.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, policy-oriented research environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong record of peer-reviewed publications, working papers, policy reports, or related outputs in agricultural economics, risk management, agricultural policy, production economics, or closely related fields, appropriate to rank.
  
  
• Demonstrated success, or strong potential, in securing external funding for applied research and collaborative policy analysis projects.
  
  
• Experience engaging with stakeholders through presentations, briefings, extension-style outputs, or other applied communication activities is desirable.
  
  
• Experience working with farm-level data, crop insurance administrative data, or large agricultural policy datasets.
  
  
• Experience producing applied policy analysis, extension publications, or short-form economic commentary targeted to producer, stakeholder, or policymaker audiences.
  
  

The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The role also provides a unique opportunity for professional growth within a collaborative, policy-driven environment focused on high-impact applied policy analysis.

Starting Date: July 1, 2026, or as negotiated.

To apply for the position, upload the following documents:

• Cover letter,
  
  
• Curriculum vitae,
  
  
• Statement of research interests,
  
  
• One (or at most two) published research papers, working papers, or a job market paper, and
  
  
• Names and contact information for three professional references.
  
  

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Francis Tsiboe at View email address on click.appcast.io. Applications should be received by May 15, 2026, to ensure full consideration for interviews in late May 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Employment is contingent upon completing a pre-employment criminal background check.

About the Department, the University, and the Region: The Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University is recognized for excellence in research, teaching, and stakeholder engagement across agricultural and applied economics. The department brings together expertise in agricultural policy, risk management, agribusiness, international trade, and market analysis, and it houses ARPC, a federally supported research center focused on agricultural risk management policy and market disruptions. Faculty in the department are actively involved in interdisciplinary research and maintain strong collaborations across campus and with external partners throughout the region and beyond. The department offers undergraduate majors in Economics, Agribusiness, and Agricultural Economics, as well as a master's degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics. As a Carnegie Very High Research Activity institution, North Dakota State University continues to expand its research portfolio, extramural funding, and impact through applied scholarship and public engagement. With approximately 12,000 students, NDSU provides a dynamic academic environment and is committed to equal opportunity, inclusion, and institutional excellence.

Fargo-Moorhead is a vibrant and growing metropolitan region in the Upper Midwest, supported by a diverse economy that includes agribusiness, agricultural manufacturing, food processing, financial services, technology, healthcare, logistics, and retail. As the largest metropolitan area between Minneapolis and Spokane, the region serves as an important economic, educational, and cultural center for the Northern Plains. Fargo-Moorhead offers the amenities and opportunities of a growing metro area while maintaining a high quality of life, a relatively low cost of living, and a strong sense of community. The area is home to excellent K-12 schools, three higher education institutions, advanced healthcare services, and a collaborative business environment that supports innovation and long-term growth. With a metropolitan population of approximately 250,000, Fargo-Moorhead also provides extensive parks and trails, year-round outdoor and indoor recreation, and a strong visual and performing arts community, making it an attractive place to live and work for faculty, staff, and students.

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. " My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person " and " I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.


Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

• Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26% , depending on position
  (One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

Education Benefits That Grow With You

• Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

• Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.


NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.


NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.


NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io.

No Smoking Notice:


As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran's Preference Notice:


This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io .
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