If you have recently completed a PhD in agricultural economics, economics, statistics, or a related field, the 2026 University of Missouri RaFF Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to advance your research career while contributing to agricultural policy in the United States.
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Hosted by the Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) at the University of Missouri, this fellowship opportunity places researchers within the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF). Fellows will work alongside experienced researchers to develop economic models, analyze agricultural policies, and provide evidence-based recommendations that help improve the financial resilience of farmers and ranchers across the United States.
Beyond research, fellows benefit from mentorship, opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and lead research projects that influence agricultural policy and decision making.
Fellowship Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Missouri |
| Division | Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) |
| Research Centre | Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) |
| Fellowship Type | Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Number of Positions | 2 |
| Location | Columbia, Missouri, USA |
| Duration | Initial 12-month appointment |
| Renewal | Possible based on performance and funding |
| Preferred Start Date | Fall 2026 |
| Fields | Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics, Applied Econometrics |
| Benefits | University employee benefits package |
About the University of Missouri RaFF Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) is dedicated to providing research, economic modelling, and policy analysis that supports agricultural decision making across the United States.
Working with policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and researchers, RaFF evaluates how government policies, market conditions, and financial innovations affect the profitability and financial stability of farmers and ranchers.
As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will join a multidisciplinary research team under the mentorship of Dr. Alejandro Plastina, contributing to projects that help improve agricultural policy through data-driven analysis.
The fellowship also provides opportunities to develop independent research while collaborating with experienced economists and policy specialists.
Fellowship Benefits
- Fellows Work closely with experienced researchers and receive guidance that supports your transition into an independent research career.
- Fellows are encouraged to publish research findings in respected academic journals.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Lead research projects that align with the mission of the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.
- Develop supervisory and mentoring experience by working with students.
- Participate in developing research proposals and grant applications.
Other Benefits
Eligible fellows receive University of Missouri employee benefits, including:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Retirement benefits
- Educational fee discounts across the University of Missouri System
Research Areas
- Farm Income Modelling
- Agricultural Lending
- Agricultural Policy Analysis
- Economic Modelling
- Market Analysis
- Rural Financial Resilience
Fellowship Responsibilities
- Create and improve models that analyse agricultural production, income, and finance.
- Evaluate the impact of agricultural policies on producers and rural communities.
- Work alongside researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders.
- Prepare:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Policy reports
- Technical reports
- Research presentations
- Decision-support tools
- Attend research meetings, mentoring sessions, and collaborative planning activities.
- Assist in preparing grant proposals and research funding applications.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should have strong academic and research backgrounds in economics and agricultural policy.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete before appointment, a PhD in:
- Agricultural Economics
- Economics
- Statistics
- Applied Econometrics
- Related disciplines
Preferred Qualifications
Agricultural Economics
Knowledge of United States agricultural production systems, markets, and policy.
Economic Modelling
Experience developing:
- Structural economic models
- Partial equilibrium models
- Applied economic analysis
Data Analysis
Experience using:
- R
- Microsoft Excel
Communication Skills
Applicants should demonstrate strong written and spoken English communication skills.
Experience presenting research to:
- Farmers
- Agribusiness professionals
- Policymakers
- Academic audiences
is considered an advantage.
Advanced Research Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:
- Commodity price analysis
- Farm policy
- Data management
- Econometrics
- Production cost estimation
- Supply and demand modelling
- Agricultural market outlook analysis
Work Location
The fellowship is based at the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri.
Researchers will work within the Division of Applied Social Sciences and collaborate closely with the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.
Fellowship Duration
The initial appointment is for 12 months.
Subject to satisfactory performance and available funding, the fellowship may be renewed.
The preferred start date is Fall 2026, although some flexibility is available.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare a single PDF containing:
Cover Letter
Your cover letter should describe:
- Research achievements
- Research interests
- Career goals
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Include your academic qualifications, publications, research experience, presentations, awards, and relevant technical skills.
References
Provide the contact details of three professional references.
Shortlisted candidates may later be asked to provide additional references or academic transcripts.
How to Apply
Step 1
Prepare all required application documents.
Step 2
Combine your documents into a single PDF.
Step 3
Submit your application through the University of Missouri academic careers portal link provided below using Job ID 59830.
Step 4
Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the positions are filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Why You Should Apply for the Fellowship
Many postdoctoral fellowships focus solely on academic research. The University of Missouri RaFF Fellowship combines academic excellence with real-world policy impact.
Fellows contribute research that directly informs agricultural policy, supports farming communities, and helps policymakers make evidence-based decisions. Combined with strong mentorship, publication opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the fellowship provides an excellent foundation for careers in academia, government research, agricultural policy, and international development.
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the RaFF Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Researchers who will have completed a PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Statistics, Applied Econometrics, or a closely related field before the appointment begins.
How many fellowship positions are available?
The University of Missouri is recruiting two Postdoctoral Fellows.
Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship is based at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, USA.
How long does the fellowship last?
The initial appointment is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.
What programming skills are preferred?
Applicants should be proficient in R and Microsoft Excel.
What research areas does the fellowship focus on?
Research includes agricultural economics, farm income modelling, agricultural lending, policy analysis, rural financial resilience, and applied econometrics.
What application documents are required?
Applicants should submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, current CV, and contact information for three references.
Will fellows receive employee benefits?
Yes. Fellows are eligible for the University of Missouri’s comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and educational fee discounts.
When should applicants apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until the positions are filled, so applying early is strongly recommended.
Who will mentor the selected fellows?
Selected fellows will work under the mentorship of Dr. Alejandro Plastina while collaborating with the multidisciplinary team at the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF).
