Post Doctoral Fellow - Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (https://www.davis.wvu.edu/) at West Virginia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow with a focus on land use and economic modeling.

The position is funded by a research grant from USDA and will focus on examination of interdependencies between agricultural production, markets, land use and sustainability of water resources. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Levan Elbakidze and will engage in analytical and empirical modeling of agricultural commodity markets with spatial land use and watershed management components.

The ideal candidate will have i) strong quantitative training in mathematical modeling (GAMS), ii) experience in or ability to learn and work with watershed and land management modeling tools like SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) and HAWQS (Hydrologic and Water Quality System), iii) experience in econometric analysis and Geographic Information Systems, and iv) some experience with computational and data management using python or similar.

Salary and Timing: The position offers competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes fringe benefits. Initial appointment is for 12 months with a possibility for extension for additional 12 months subject to satisfactory performance.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

• A PhD in environmental/resource/agricultural economics (or closely related field)
• Experience with Mathematical Programing using GAMS
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Ability to work with watershed simulation tools (SWAT/HAWQS).
• Fluency in spoken and written English, and effective communication skills

Applications: Qualified applicants should submit: (i) a cover letter describing relevant experience and research interests, (ii) curriculum vita, (iii) transcripts, (iv) a representative research paper and (v) names and contact information for three references.

The review of applications will begin January 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

For additional information contact:
Dr. Levan Elbakidze
Professor
West Virginia University
levan.elbakidze@mail.wvu.edu

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.