Research Scientist - Applied Economics

The Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics at Virginia Tech is seeking a highly motivated applied economist to join our team as a Research Scientist as soon as possible, and no later than the Fall of 2025. The position is a twelve-month, calendar year, restricted position, which will be reviewed annually, based upon funds available, needs of service, and performance. Exceptional candidates may be considered for hire at the senior research scientist level.

As part of our work with the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture, the Research Scientist will be responsible for leading the conceptualization and conduct of research projects, managing and ensuring completion of the objectives of a sponsored research program, and delivering research materials, including writing peer-reviewed journal articles and making presentations at academic conferences and for public audiences on topics such as:

● Evaluating the drivers and impacts of climate-smart agricultural practices, with a focus on the role of financial incentives and program design from our pilot program for ecosystem services
● Rigorously assessing the range of ecosystem service values associated with climate-smart agricultural practices pursued as part of the program

The effectiveness of the research agenda will be influenced by the Alliance faculty members’ ability to work closely with relevant partners, including fellow researchers, soil and water conservation districts, and producers.

About The Alliance to Advance Climate Smart Agriculture
The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture is a coalition of organizations, led by Virginia Tech, that will implement an $80 million, three-year project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). This project will be implemented across four states – Arkansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Virginia – and will feature payments to farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices to increase resilience and climate change mitigation.

Virginia Tech faculty will conduct a rigorous research agenda to evaluate the implementation and impacts of this program. Under the three-year pilot, Virginia Tech and its partners will help producers in the four states prove the value of paying farmers and ranchers $100 per acre or animal unit for stewardship practices that deliver public value through carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas reduction, improved soil health, water quality, water conservation, and other environmental services. We aim to create a national model for incentivizing and rewarding farmers for adopting climate-smart practices. More information on the program can be found at this link: https://www.allianceforcsa.org

Location: The base location for this position is Blacksburg, VA. The position is open to hybrid, but travel to Blacksburg on a routine basis will be required.

● PhD in applied economics or a relevant field (applicants with an expected completion date prior to the start of employment also accepted)
● Record of experience submitting academic papers for peer-reviewed publication
● Excellent communication skills

● Demonstrated knowledge of crop and/or animal agriculture, including USDA-NRCS conservation practices or climate-smart agriculture
● Demonstrated expertise in ecosystem service valuation, with an emphasis on water quality and GHGs in agricultural environments
● Experience working with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts
● Experience with managing sponsored research projects and/or personnel to help deliver on sponsored project objectives

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

64,260-75,000

40

04/15/2025

To apply: Please submit (1) a cover letter indicating your interests, relevant background, (2) CV, and (3) contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled, with a priority deadline of 04/18/2025. Contact Dr. John Bovay (bovay@vt.edu) with further questions. Application review will begin on 04/18/2025.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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