Postdoctoral Scholar - Rural Sociology - Auburn University

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.

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/.

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