Post-Doctoral Fellow - Rural Sociology

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University is accepting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship. The anticipated start date will be January 2025 for an initial period of 16 months with a possibility of extension to one or more years depending on performance and funding availability. This is a benefit eligible, non-tenure track position.

We seek an energetic and motivated postdoctoral fellow/research associate to conduct innovative research in rural sociology at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University. The focus of the work will be conducting needs assessment research using qualitative methods in agriculture, forestry, and rural industries on the challenges and opportunities for rural Alabama. The individual selected for this position will work directly with Dr. Russell (Auburn University) on a USDA funded project.

The University: Auburn University is a Carnegie R1, land-grant institution organized into twelve academic colleges and schools. Auburn is ranked 47th among public universities in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report. As of 2023, 26,874 undergraduate and 6,141 graduate and professional students were enrolled. There are 1,435 faculty members who offer more than 200 educational programs. The University is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, commitments to community engagement, positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. For details, visit the following link: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Resources available to support faculty can be found here: https://agriculture.auburn.edu/about/faculty-staff-resources/facultysupport/.

The Department: The multidisciplinary department has 14 faculty members who are agricultural economists in various fields and 3 who are rural sociologists. This includes a mix of research, teaching, and Extension appointments to achieve the department's mission in conjunction with other university departments, industry, and organizations. Due to recent retirements, the department has hired 5 new tenure-track faculty in the past 4 years. Faculty and students publish in top journals in their respective disciplines. The Department has excellent facilities, an experimental economics laboratory, over 150 undergraduate students, and about 30 MS and PhD students. A department facilities video can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33zsIh31r40.

The Community: Auburn is recognized as one of America's best small towns with a moderate climate and easy access to major cities, beaches, and mountains. The city is situated along the rapidly developing I-85 Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama corridor. The combined Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a growing population of over 160,000. The City of Auburn grew 43% in the past decade and is known for an excellent public school system and a local medical center acknowledged as among the best in the region. The City of Auburn website has information on the community and services that can be accessed at: https://www.auburnalabama.org/.

The minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. in sociology, rural sociology, or related field at the time employment begins and relevant experience using qualitative methods.

The individual selected for the position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States by the start date and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Desirable qualifications include strong methodological background, experience conducting semi-structured interviews and focus groups, ability to work with large amounts of qualitative data, excellent command of qualitative software (e.g., MAXQDA, NVIVO), experience working with farmers and rural dwellers, previous involvement in the creation of Extension and outreach products, and an interest in agriculture and rural prosperity.

Applicants must complete an on-line application process at the following link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/48744 and attach the following: 1) Cover letter stating research interests and experience, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) recent research paper, and 4) copies of academic transcripts. When prompted, please provide names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete application materials will be considered. Review of the applications will begin November 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Russell at kjr0041@auburn.edu

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.