We seek a postdoctoral research associate to conduct innovative interdisciplinary research examining the incentives for spatially and behaviorally heterogeneous farmers to adopt precision farming technologies for site-specific input application and its implications for farm profitability and the environment. The research will integrate engineering information about technologies with spatially varying biophysical characteristics of the landscape and heterogeneous farmer characteristics to develop optimal farm management strategies at the parcel and landscape levels. Primary responsibilities will include developing spatial optimization models, conducting and analyzing a discrete choice experiment, building an economic model of technology adoption, and an agent-based model that integrates biophysical models characterizing field conditions with a model of landowner decision-making for input application.
The successful candidate will work directly with the project’s PI, Dr. Madhu Khanna, ACES Distinguished Professor of Environmental Economics in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Qualifications: Candidates must have a PhD in economics, agricultural and resource economics, engineering economics, environmental engineering, computational economics, or a related field such as computer science with economic applications.
Experience in computational methods, spatial optimization modeling, survey–based choice experiments, discrete-choice modeling and agent-based modeling that links economic decision making with biophysical models, and excellent written and oral communication skills and an interest in working with interdisciplinary researchers on topics related to emerging precision technologies will be among the selection criteria. Funding is available to start immediately for appointment on an annual basis with the potential for annual renewal for two to three years based on satisfactory performance.
To apply, email the following items to Amy Rosenbery (husted@illinois.edu) with the subject POSTDOC:
- a cover letter explaining how your experience qualifies you and why you are interested in the position
- your CV including PhD degree date
- names and contact information for three (3) professional references
- a professional writing sample that illustrates the required/desired qualifications for the position
If you have experience developing and contributing programming codes please include this information in your CV or other application materials.
This position can be filled as soon as possible and the anticipated start date is January 1, 2021. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, so early submission of the application is encouraged. For any questions about the position please contact Dr. Madhu Khanna (khanna1@illinois.edu).
Proof of doctoral degree is required to begin employment. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu/.
