Program Associate

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Closing Date:
07/15/2026
Type of Position:
Research

Workstudy Position:

No
Job Type:
Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No
Institution Name:
Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.


Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

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Department:
Research Support

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:
Will support interdisciplinary research examining poultry production, consumption trends, international trade, and animal health economics within the poultry sector. This position involves conducting applied economic research, managing and analyzing data, contributing to industry-facing reports and outreach materials, and assisting with projects related to market resilience, disease impacts, supply chain dynamics, and agricultural policy.

Possess strong quantitative and analytical skills, experience working with large datasets, a background in economics and STEM, and the ability to communicate research findings effectively to both academic and industry audiences. Experience or interest in global agricultural markets, livestock systems, or animal health economics is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Data Analysis
• Assist with economic research projects related to poultry production, consumption, trade, and animal health issues.
• Compile, clean, and manage primary and secondary datasets using appropriate econometric and statistical methods.
• Conduct quantitative analyses examining topics such as disease outbreaks, market disruptions, trade flows, consumer demand, and production economics.
• Support literature reviews and background research related to livestock and poultry economics.
Industry and Policy Reporting
• Prepare research summaries, extension materials, policy briefs, presentations, and industry reports for academic, producer, and stakeholder audiences.
• Contribute to analyses evaluating the economic impacts of animal health events and agricultural policy changes on poultry and feed markets.
• Assist with development of outreach materials translating research findings into practical recommendations for industry stakeholders.
Project and Program Support
• Support ongoing grant-funded research activities and collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and external partners.
• Participate in project coordination, data collection efforts, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and extension programming.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics or a closely related field, plus three years of related professional experience OR a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics or a closely related field with quantitative training.
• Experience with data analysis, survey methods, statistical software, or econometric modeling (i.e., STATA, R, GAMs).

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic or professional experience related to poultry, livestock, animal health, or agricultural trade.
• More than one year of field experience preferred.
• Experience working with large datasets, digital management, and applied economic research methods.
• Interest in global agricultural systems and international agribusiness development.
• Experience with extension, outreach, or stakeholder engagement activities.
• Familiarity with agricultural production.
• Experience collaborating in multicultural or international environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize research findings for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Demonstrated interest in agricultural markets, livestock systems, international trade, or animal health economics.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple project responsibilities simultaneously.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

$50,000

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Tonya Foster
View email address on click.appcast.io

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site


Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
No Background Check Required

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.


The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:
Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion
Frequent Physical Activity:
Sitting
Occasional Physical Activity:
Talking
Benefits Eligible:
Yes