Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in agribusiness, agricultural finance, and production economics. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Mario Ortez, Assistant Professor of Agribusiness and Bridge Experience Director, and will collaborate closely on applied research and Extension programs focused on agribusiness decision-making, agricultural finance, and farm-level performance. The position also offers opportunities to collaborate with faculty and participate in research initiatives across the department and college.

Position Responsibilities:

Research

• Conduct applied research in agribusiness, agricultural finance, and/or production economics
• Analyze farm-level, market, and financial data to inform management, investment, and marketing decisions
• Produce publishable research in peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute to externally funded research projects and assist in the development of grant proposals
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners

Extension and Engagement

• Translate research into actionable insights for producers, agribusiness firms, and other stakeholders
• Contribute to Extension programming, workshops, and outreach activities
• Work directly with industry partners on applied research questions and decision-support tools

Teaching and Mentorship

• Provide occasional guest lectures and support student research initiatives

About the Position:

This position is part of a growing program integrating research, Extension, and experiential learning in agribusiness and agricultural finance. The postdoctoral associate will:

• Work with unique, applied datasets spanning farm-level, market, and financial data
• Engage directly with stakeholders across the agrifood system, including producers, agribusiness firms, and financial institutions
• Gain experience at the intersection of research, industry, and extension in applied agribusiness settings
• Contribute to externally funded projects while developing an independent and policy- or industry-relevant research agenda

About the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics :

The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech is a premier, world-class department, ranked globally in the top ten percent. Inspired by our land grant mission and motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), we teach, conduct research, and distribute findings that empower a diverse audience of students, stakeholders, and alumni to change the world. Our faculty and graduates have expertise in applied economics and agribusiness principles that help address the food, financial, health, development, policy, environmental, and social needs in Virginia and beyond.

Initial appointment for 12 months, with potential renewal for an additional 12 months based on availability of funds, the need for services, and satisfactory performance. Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, or a closely related field by appointment start date. Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Strong quantitative and econometric skills
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated research potential (e.g., publications or working papers)

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in agribusiness, agricultural finance, or production economics
• Experience with statistical software (R, Python, Stata, or similar)
• Experience with data visualization and decision-support tools (e.g., R Shiny, Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
• Interest in applied, industry-oriented research and stakeholder engagement