Working/Functional Title
Research Associate-Fixed term, Siegford
Position Summary
A research associate (postdoc) is sought to examine the role of human perspectives and willingness to pay on the adoption of precision livestock farming technology (PLF) by the swine industry. The person in this position will join a multidisciplinary, international team with expertise in animal behavior and welfare, precision livestock farming, social science, and economics.
The research associate will design and conduct qualitative interviews to discover the thoughts of key members of the US swine industry (from retailers through breeding companies) on the value and utility of PLF. The candidate will participate in design of quantitative surveys for use with farmers, veterinarians, and consumers to understand their perspectives on using PLF technology—collaborating with faculty and extension educators from 4 universities to collect these data. The candidate will also assist with quantitative survey work examining farmers’ and consumers’ willingness to pay for PLF technology in pork production. The candidate will work with a team of extension experts in Michigan, Iowa, and North Carolina to develop and deliver extension programming related to practicalities of using PLF technology on farm.
This position is initially for one year, renewable annually based on performance, for up to three years.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Social Science, Agricultural Economics
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Social Science, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, or a related field and a background in qualitative and quantitative methods related to survey and interview development, delivery, and analysis (i.e., mixed methods social science data). The candidate will collect data from and have an interest in delivering extension programming to swine industry stakeholders related to precision livestock farming. The successful applicant must have excellent communication skills, be able to work collaboratively across a diverse group of scientists, students and extension educators, and be adept in learning new skills.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will combine expertise in social science research with an understanding of swine production and precision livestock farming technology or a keen desire to learn about these topics from the team.
Required Application Materials
Interested candidates should submit the following materials: 1) a letter stating interests and goals, 2) a current CV, 3) copies of PhD transcripts, and 4) contact information for three references.
Special Instructions
After review of materials, select candidates will be invited to interview (likely virtually).
Review of Applications Begins On
06/01/2021
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/ans/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
