We seek a postdoctoral research associate to conduct innovative interdisciplinary research examining the incentives for spatially and behaviorally heterogeneous farmers to adopt novel, AI-based, precision farming technologies for site-specific input application and its implications for farm profitability and the environment. The research will integrate information about technology attributes with spatially varying biophysical characteristics of the landscape and heterogeneous farmer characteristics to develop optimal crop management strategies at the parcel and landscape levels. Primary responsibilities will include developing one or more of the following tools to conduct this research: 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.
The successful candidate will work directly with the project’s PI, Dr. Madhu Khanna, 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, 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. The position will be open until it is filled and the start date is negotiable.
For full consideration please apply by January 4, 2024.
To apply, email the following items to Amy Rosenbery (husted@illinois.edu) with the subject POSTDOC: (i) a cover letter explaining how your experience qualifies you and why you are interested in the position; (ii) your CV including PhD degree date; (iii) names and contact information for three (3) professional references; and (iv) a professional writing sample that illustrates the required/desired qualifications for the position. If you have experience developing and contributing programming codes and/or other related resources to CRAN, GitHub or another online data or software repository, please include this information in your CV or other application materials.
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