Research Associate or Research Scientist - Ag. Economics and Remote Sensing

Job Summary

Position:
Research Associate or Research Scientist in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech. The role is available for Summer or Fall 2026 and is annually renewable pending continued funding. One faculty position will be filled at either Associate or Scientist rank, depending on the qualifications of the finalist candidate.

• Research Associate – Conducts research under supervision with limited independent authority, contributes to manuscripts and reports under guidance, and is generally not eligible to serve as a principal investigator.
• Research Scientist – Conducts independent research under general supervision, contributes significantly to project conceptualization and management, leads manuscripts, and participates in proposal and grant development. May supervise project personnel and research assistants and is eligible to serve as a principal investigator.

• Support the research efforts of the team by preparing geospatial and administrative data for analysis.
• Apply theory‑guided statistical approaches to uncover relationships in the data.
• Generate visualizations, maps, and other data products.
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer‑reviewed journals and present findings to academic and practitioner audiences.
• Engage directly with policy and industry partners and contribute to ongoing grant development.

Research Associate

• Master’s degree in agricultural economics, applied economics, or a related quantitative field, or a bachelor’s degree with significant relevant experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with data analysis in R, Python, or a comparable language and version control (e.g., Git).
• Experience evaluating the economic and policy implications of agricultural monitoring techniques, ideally using remotely sensed Earth observation data.
• Criminal conviction check required.

Research Scientist

• PhD in agricultural economics, applied economics, or a related quantitative field with relevant research experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with data analysis in R, Python, or a comparable language and version control (e.g., Git).
• Experience evaluating the economic and policy implications of agricultural monitoring techniques, ideally using remotely sensed Earth observation data.
• Criminal conviction check required.

Research Associate

• Experience with econometric methods applied to administrative or observational data.
• Familiarity with geospatial analysis and remote sensing data, including cloud platforms such as Google Earth Engine.
• Prior work in one or more of the team's areas: agricultural/index insurance or risk transfer, conservation agriculture, land markets, or rural finance.

Research Scientist

• Experience submitting manuscripts to peer‑reviewed journals with an established publication record.
• Experience managing sponsored research projects and/or personnel.
• Experience with econometric methods applied to administrative or observational data.
• Familiarity with geospatial analysis and remote sensing data, including cloud platforms such as Google Earth Engine.
• Prior work in one or more of the team's areas: agricultural/index insurance or risk transfer, conservation agriculture, land markets, or rural finance.

Blacksburg, Virginia; occasional domestic or international travel to partner institutions. Some remote work permissible by mutual agreement.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime. Appointment Type:
Restricted. Salary: $57,783 – $89,412 (dependent on rank). Hours per week: 40;
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or on any other basis protected by law. Virginia Tech encourages participation in professional development and shared governance. Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations should contact Dr.

Elinor Benami at elinor at least 10 business days prior to the event.