Post Doctoral Fellow - Social Scientist in Agriculture and Digital Technologies

Position Type: Full-time, 12-month

Seeking a highly motivated social science researcher to join our interdisciplinary team at the University of Missouri's Center for Regenerative Agriculture. This postdoc will play a key role in a NIFA-AFRI Social Implications of Digital Technologies funded grant focused on the socio-economic impact and adoption behavior of virtual fencing technologies for livestock in Missouri and Colorado (Note: the postdoc will be based in Columbia, Missouri)

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a farmer-focused applied research project on an interdisciplinary team and contribute to other Center for Regenerative Agriculture research and extension projects. You will work under the supervision of the PI, Dr. Kelly Wilson, Assistant Professor in School of Natural Resources, and the Associate Director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Co-lead design and implementation of producer surveys, including survey development, administration, and monitoring response rates to reduce nonresponse.
• Manage, clean, and analyze quantitative datasets using reproducible workflows, including statistical analyses.
• Provide quantitative methodological expertise to the research team, including advising on survey measurement, selection of statistical analytical approaches, and interpretation of findings
• Apply social science theoretical frameworks (e.g., diffusion of innovations, technology acceptance, behavioral models) to research design, measurement, and interpretation
• Integrate survey findings with qualitative data from farmer interviews in a mixed methods design
• Support qualitative data collection and analysis with farmers and farm partners as needed
• Liaise with technology development collaborators including virtual fencing companies and project partners.
• Lead or co-lead peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication, and contribute to the disseminate of research findings through extension bulletins, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations

Minimum Qualification: PhD in sociology, applied agricultural economics, rural sociology, natural resources social sciences, or any other related social science discipline by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Relevant research experience in agriculture, rural communities, technology adoption, or related areas
• Demonstrated proficiency in quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and application of quantitative approaches to social science research.
• Quantitative research skills (priority for this position), including proficiency with statistical software such as R, Stata, SPSS, with demonstrated experience applying statistical methods to empirical research questions.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing survey research projects from instrument development through analysis
• Demonstrated ability to select, justify, and apply appropriate quantitative analytical methods, including regression-based approaches and multivariate analysis.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative in research activities, and contribute methodological expertise within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Record of conducting social science research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with advanced quantitative methods (e.g., structural equation modeling, multilevel models, discrete choice or experimental survey designs)
• Experience with mixed methods research
• Experience working with farmers, particularly in the Midwest
• Background or interest in the impacts of technology in agriculture
• Experience developing quantitative manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, including presenting and interpreting statistical findings

Starting date: December 1, 2026 or as negotiated

Apply online at https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings, Job ID 61408, and submit the following materials:

• Cover letter outlining your research experience, interests, and why you are interested in this position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications, skills, and experience.
• Contact information for three professional references.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Kelly Wilson (kellyrwilson@missouri.edu).

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.