Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Econometrics. This is a full-time, fixed-term position focused on the development and application of synthetic control methods to problems in spatial causality within agricultural and environmental economics. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge empirical research related to policy evaluation, climate impacts, and market analysis, leveraging synthetic control techniques to address spatial dependencies and causal inference challenges. The research will also incorporate advanced mathematical and statistical methodologies, including tangential projections in Wasserstein spaces and geodesic regression, to enhance causal inference frameworks in spatial settings.

Responsibilities:
- Integrate mathematical techniques such as tangential projections in Wasserstein spaces and geodesic regression to enhance inference methodologies.
- Conduct independent and collaborative research on the application of synthetic control methods to spatial causal inference problems in agricultural and environmental economics.
- Develop and refine econometric models to improve the robustness of causal effect estimation in spatially dependent data.
- Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present results at academic conferences.
- Collaborate with faculty and research teams on externally funded projects.
- Contribute to grant writing and research proposal development.

Appointment and Compensation:
- This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.

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 -Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field with a strong emphasis on applied econometrics

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field with a strong emphasis on applied econometrics. Demonstrated expertise in optimal transport problems, Gromov-Wasserstein distances, geostatistical modeling, or geodesic regression techniques. Strong quantitative and programming skills (e.g., R, Python, or MATLAB).
Solid foundation in advanced mathematics, including topics such as real analysis, complex analysis, computational statistics, theoretical foundations of optimization, vector analysis and field theory. 

Desired Qualifications

Solid foundation in advanced mathematics, including topics such as real analysis, complex analysis, computational statistics, theoretical foundations of optimization, vector analysis and field theory.  Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.

Required Application Materials

Application Process: Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, and contact information for three references. 

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

05/19/2025

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/afre/

Department Statement

Michigan State University is the pioneer Land Grant University, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is a national leader in agricultural education, research, and extension programming.  The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is made up of approximately 45 faculty (36 located in East Lansing), 62 graduate students, and 400 undergraduate students. We address societal policy questions and solve practical problems for producers, consumers, and the environment. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare the next generation of economists and managers to meet the needs of the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems in Michigan and around the world. AFRE Community Norms are listed at: www.canr.msu.edu/afre/about/community-norms. For more information on the department, see: www.afre.msu.edu.

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.