Research Consultant Senior

Rural & Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) - Division of Applied Social Sciences

This Senior Applied Research Economist position combines applied economic research with leadership of the Early Warning System of Farm Financial Stress (EWS). This role will advance RaFF's research and stakeholder engagement activities focused on farm financial conditions, agricultural lending, and financial stress in the farm sector.

The role develops analytical tools and models, conducts applied research on farm finance and agricultural credit markets, and leads EWS activities across participating states. Working with producers, lenders, policymakers, researchers, and Extension professionals, the position integrates economic analysis and stakeholder intelligence to identify emerging risks and deliver actionable insights that support decision-making across the agricultural finance sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and improvement of the Early Warning System of Farm Financial Stress (EWS).
• Engage producers, lenders, Extension professionals, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to monitor emerging financial risks and conditions.
• Coordinate EWS stakeholder meetings, manage project activities, and oversee development of consensus reports and related outputs.
• Synthesize stakeholder input, economic data, and analytical findings into reports, presentations, and decision-support materials.
• Develop and enhance models used for farm income projections, agricultural lending analysis, farm financial stress assessment, and policy evaluation.
• Conduct applied research on farm finance, agricultural credit markets, and related policy issues.
• Contribute to Farm Income Outlook reports, Missouri Agricultural Outlook publications, and other RaFF products.
• Present findings to policymakers, producers, lenders, industry groups, and professional audiences.
• Lead collaborative projects and pursue external funding opportunities that support RaFF's mission.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff as appropriate.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Knowledge of U.S. agricultural policy, commodity markets, farm finance, and agricultural lending.
• Experience conducting applied economic analysis and developing decision-support tools.
• Ability to integrate quantitative analysis with stakeholder input to assess emerging conditions and risks.
• Experience leading collaborative projects and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Quality and impact of applied research, policy analysis, reports, and presentations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• PhD in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, or a related field with 2+ years of post-PhD experience; OR Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Deep knowledge of agricultural markets, farm finance, agricultural credit systems, and agricultural policy.
• Experience with applied economic modeling, econometrics, forecasting, or policy analysis.
• Experience leading stakeholder engagement, consensus-building processes, or multi-state initiatives.
• Proficiency with R, Excel, and other analytical software.
• Experience managing research projects and mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows or research staff.

Salary Range: $70,512.00 - $137,696.00 per year

Grade: GGS 012

University Title: Senior Research Consultant

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

1. Cover Letter (research achievements, interests, and goals).
2. Current CV.
3. Contact information for three references.

Finalists may be asked to provide additional references or transcripts.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the University of Missouri provides objective policy analysis and informs decision-makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. We use data from many sources to estimate how policy decisions, innovations, and other events affect the ability of farmers and ranchers to make a profit. Cooperation with participating states brings local expertise to enhance model design and estimates. This results in customized, state-level economic models and policy analyses for regions across the U.S. Learn more at raff.missouri.edu.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.