The University of Missouri is accepting applications for two Post-Doctoral Fellow positions in Agricultural Economics and Rural Finance. The opportunities are available through the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) at the university’s Columbia campus.
These positions are ideal for researchers who want to contribute to agricultural policy, rural development, and farm finance research. Fellows will work on projects that help farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders make informed decisions in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.
The positions offer valuable research experience, professional development opportunities, and direct involvement in policy-focused projects affecting farming communities across the United States.
Fellowship Overview
The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center is a leading research initiative focused on agricultural profitability, financial resilience, and rural economic sustainability.
The center provides research and policy analysis to government agencies, agricultural organizations, and members of the U.S. Congress.
Selected fellows will join a multidisciplinary research team led by Dr. Alejandro Plastina and contribute to evidence-based solutions for challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Fellowship Details
| Institution | University of Missouri |
|---|---|
| Research Center | Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) |
| Position Type | Post-Doctoral Fellow |
| Location | Columbia, Missouri, USA |
| Duration | Initial 12 Months |
| Extension | Possible Based on Performance and Funding |
| Preferred Start Date | Fall 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Review | Rolling Basis |
Research Areas and Focus
The fellowship focuses on understanding how policy changes, market conditions, and financial systems affect farmers and rural communities.
Researchers will work on projects related to:
- Agricultural economics
- Farm finance
- Rural development
- Agricultural policy analysis
- Commodity markets
- Financial resilience
- Farm profitability
- Economic forecasting
- Rural lending systems
The research produced through the program supports decision-making across the agricultural sector.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will engage in both academic and applied research activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing state-level farm income models
- Improving agricultural lending models
- Monitoring agricultural policy developments
- Analyzing market trends and financial risks
- Conducting quantitative research
- Publishing academic papers
- Preparing policy reports
- Presenting research findings
- Building decision-support tools
- Assisting with grant proposals
- Collaborating with stakeholders and research teams
These activities provide practical experience in policy-focused economic research.
Preferred Research Experience
The University of Missouri seeks applicants with strong quantitative and analytical backgrounds.
Experience in the following areas is highly valued:
- Applied econometrics
- Structural economic modeling
- Partial equilibrium modeling
- Commodity market analysis
- Supply and demand estimation
- Forecasting techniques
- Agricultural finance
- Data analytics
- Rural banking systems
- Farm business management
Candidates with experience evaluating agricultural profitability and market performance are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree before the appointment begins.
Eligible fields include:
- Agricultural Economics
- Economics
- Statistics
- Related quantitative disciplines
Candidates should also demonstrate:
- Strong research skills
- Knowledge of U.S. agricultural systems
- Experience in applied economic analysis
- Excellent communication abilities
- Academic publication potential
- Stakeholder engagement experience
The ability to translate complex research into practical recommendations is highly valued.
Technical Skills Required
Applicants should possess strong analytical and software skills.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Advanced R programming knowledge
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Data visualization experience
- Statistical analysis expertise
- Quantitative modeling skills
- Research database management
These skills will support the center’s data-driven research activities.
Professional Development Benefits
The fellowship offers much more than research experience.
Participants will receive opportunities to:
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Present at international conferences
- Collaborate with leading researchers
- Build professional networks
- Lead independent research projects
- Mentor students
- Strengthen grant-writing skills
- Develop policy engagement expertise
These experiences can significantly enhance long-term academic and professional careers.
Benefits Package
The University of Missouri provides a comprehensive employee benefits package.
Benefits include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental coverage
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Educational fee discounts
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to university resources
Fellows also become part of a supportive academic environment focused on innovation and impact.
Why Apply for This Fellowship?
Agriculture continues to face challenges from market volatility, climate pressures, and changing policies.
Research plays a critical role in helping producers adapt and succeed.
This fellowship allows scholars to contribute directly to solutions that improve farm profitability and strengthen rural economies.
The opportunity combines academic research with real-world impact, making it attractive for early-career economists and policy researchers.
Required Application Documents
Interested candidates must submit a single PDF file containing:
- Cover letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact information for three professional references
Shortlisted applicants may later be asked for additional documentation.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed as they are received.
There is no fixed closing date. Recruitment will continue until both positions are filled.
Early applications are strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The University of Missouri Post-Doctoral Fellowships in Agricultural Economics and Rural Finance offer a strong platform for emerging researchers. Fellows will work on meaningful projects that influence agricultural policy, strengthen rural communities, and support the future of farming.
For researchers interested in agricultural markets, farm finance, and policy analysis, this opportunity provides valuable experience within one of the United States’ leading research institutions.
