Professional Research Associate, Agricultural and Resource Economics in Saskatoon

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics is home to expertise in agricultural policy, environmental economics, and farm management. Faculty work closely with governments, producer organizations, and industry partners. The Research Fellow will draw on this research community, graduate student expertise, and departmental infrastructure to produce timely economic research and policy analysis for Saskatchewan crop producer organizations.

Primary Purpose: To conduct independent, rigorous, and timely applied economic research on agricultural policy questions identified by an advisory committee. The Fellow will translate this research into clear policy briefs, presentations, and other public outputs that support evidence-based advocacy and decision‑making by Saskatchewan crop producer organizations.

Nature of Work: The Research Fellow will report to the Head of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and will receive day‑to‑day supervision from faculty within the department. The fellow will be responsible for conducting approximately four research projects each year, with each project resulting in a policy brief and a longer article. The fellow will work on these projects with faculty and graduate students. The projects will also involve liaising with producer organizations, government representatives, and other policy stakeholders. The work requires advanced training in agricultural economics, including econometrics, policy analysis, and economic modelling. The fellow will also need a keen understanding of the western Canadian agricultural industry. Occasional travel within Saskatchewan and elsewhere may be required for meetings, workshops, and presentations.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Produce approximately four policy briefs each year on topics selected by the advisory committee, working with faculty who have relevant subject‑matter expertise.
• Conduct applied economic analysis using appropriate methods, which may include econometric analysis, literature reviews, economic modelling, and farm‑level cost‑benefit analysis.
• Prepare research outputs for public release and contribute to presentations and publications with collaborating faculty.
• Plan and convene an annual policy workshop or roundtable for producer organizations, faculty, and other policy stakeholders.
• Maintain regular contact with participating producer organizations and attend relevant meetings so the research agenda remains responsive to current and anticipated policy issues.
• Provide briefings and presentations that explain research methods, findings, limitations, and implications to varied audiences.
• Prepare a short annual report summarizing completed work and progress against the approved research agenda.

Education: A master's degree in agricultural economics, economics, public policy, or a closely related discipline is required. A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline is an asset.

Experience: Experience conducting applied economic or policy research is required. Experience with agricultural policy, farm management, trade, business risk management, environmental policy, or input regulation is an asset. Experience managing research projects, working with stakeholder or advisory groups, and communicating research to policy and industry audiences is also an asset.

Skills:

• Strong applied research skills, including the ability to frame policy questions, select appropriate methods, assess evidence, and explain the limits of an analysis.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis and economic modelling, with the ability to work with relevant statistical or analytical software.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise policy briefs and present technical findings to non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage concurrent projects and deadlines, and collaborate effectively with faculty, producer organizations, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, discretion, initiative, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.