Post Doctoral Fellow – Social Scientist in Agriculture and Digital Technologies

Job Description

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

Qualifications

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

Application Materials

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.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this
position.

Benefit Eligibility

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.

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