Assistant Professor & E. Koller Chair in Agricultural Management Information Systems

This is a tenure track, nine-month, 100% time (50% research and 50% teaching) position.

The Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota provides resident teaching, outreach, and extension programs on agricultural business management, including finance, marketing, production, and policy. The department houses several research, outreach, and extension centers including the Center for Farm Financial Management (CFFM), which provides software tools, online benchmarking databases, and online and in-person educational programs to farmers, lenders, and other agricultural professionals. The Department aims to build on its strengths in these areas by hiring an assistant professor dedicated to developing research, teaching, and outreach programs that enhance the profitability, sustainability, and resilience of farms and the businesses that support them.

We welcome applicants pursuing innovative research agendas in the areas that include, but are not limited to:
* Develop AI-powered management information systems to assist farmers and agribusinesses in making real-time decisions, such as crop selection, input purchasing, risk management, marketing channels, machine and natural capital (e.g., stream buffer strips and soil organic matter) investments, and custom farm and ecosystem service (e.g., reduced nitrogen run-off and carbon sequestration) provision.
* Investigate the economic impact of digital technologies (e.g., drones, sensors, robotics) on farm profitability, resilience, and sustainability through the measurement, recording, and verification of crop and livestock health, and natural capital and ecosystem services.
* Investigate how farmers, agricultural professionals, and supporting businesses utilize digital tools to design more effective financial decision aids and policy interventions.
* Investigate the impacts of technological changes on agri-food value chains and global agricultural trade.

Primary Responsibilities
* Research: Develop a nationally or internationally recognized research program in agricultural and food economics. Publish in leading peer-reviewed journals, secure external funding, and advise graduate and undergraduate research.
* Teaching: Teach undergraduate course(s) in farm management, managerial economics, agribusiness finance, or commodity marketing. Teach a graduate-level course in microeconomic theory or applied econometrics. The typical teaching load is 2-4 courses per academic year (6-9 credit hours), averaging 3 courses or 8 credit hours annually. Candidates are encouraged to develop new courses aligned with their expertise, particularly in big data management and analysis, data visualization, or machine learning applications in agriculture.
* Engagement: Collaborate with the agricultural and food communities, as well as the public and policy leaders in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, nationally, or internationally to ensure research relevance and societal impact. Engage with departmental centers, such as the CFFM (cffm.umn.edu) and NatCap TEEMs (natcapteems.umn.edu), as well as interdisciplinary research teams across the College and University, to advance innovative programming, teaching, and research, and develop successful grant proposals.
* Service: Contribute to efforts fostering inclusive excellence in the Department, College, University, and profession at large.

Anticipated Starting Date

• September 1, 2026

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in agricultural economics, applied economics, economics, or related discipline by date of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Rigorous training in applied microeconomic theory and applied econometrics.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research with potential for publication in top field journals and leading general interest journals in economics and science.
• Evidence of or potential for effective undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Evidence of exemplary communication skills for professional and non-professional audiences.
• Experience working with large data management, visualization, and analysis methods.
• Experience working with artificial intelligence and machine learning methods.
• Experience working with business, community organizations, government agencies, or industry.
• Experience with internet-based learning management systems such as Canvas.
• Experience with delivering online or hybrid lectures or seminars.
• Commitment to working collaboratively with faculty peers and advisees.
• Experience securing or working on extramural-funded research.

The Department of Applied Economics (APEC) supports the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and the University of Minnesota's land-grant mission through its teaching, research, and extension programs. APEC's teaching programs include Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Economics and Agricultural & Food Business Management, and Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Applied Economics. Its research and extension areas are broadly defined as Food Systems; Development, Growth, & Trade; Environmental & Resource Economics; and Public Sector Economics. APEC is home to several centers that strengthen its academic programs and provide opportunities for students and faculty in research, extension, outreach, and policy. Please visit APEC's website at apec.umn.edu for further information.

CFANS's vision is to advance Minnesota as a global leader in food, agriculture, and natural resources through extraordinary education, science-based solutions, and dynamic public engagement that nourishes people and enhances the environment in which we live. CFANS is home to 12 academic departments, including APEC, with faculty that frequently collaborate to fulfill this vision.

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is in a diverse metropolitan area that is the home to the state capital as well as a large agribusiness and food sector. The campus is at the center of a diverse agricultural production region and is supported by ten research and outreach centers located throughout the state. This proximity offers unique opportunities for stakeholder engagement to identify and address contemporary economic, business, and policy issues related to agriculture, food, environment, and natural resources.

Pay Range: The anticipated range is $104,000 - $115,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience. The salary is competitive and commensurate with professional experience and qualifications.

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, 9-month

Position Type: Faculty

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Review of applications will begin on November 21, 2025. Applications received after this date may not receive full consideration.

A complete application must include:

1. Cover letter explaining the candidate's vision for this position and how their career goals, training, and experience support their candidacy.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
4. One research paper, either published or with potential for publication.
5. Letters of recommendation from three individuals who can comment on the candidate's abilities and experience.

The cover letter and curriculum vitae must be attached to the online application in PDF format. Other application materials can also be attached to the online application or emailed to the search email below. Email inquiries about the position are welcome, but the formal application process is required.

Faculty Search Committee
Department of Applied Economics
University of Minnesota
1994 Buford Avenue
Saint Paul, Minn. 55108-6040
apecsearch@umn.edu

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).