Research Agricultural Economist

Economic Research Service • Kansas City, MO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is with the USDA Economic Research Service, Office of Food Markets, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Research Agricultural Economist leads policy- and data-driven research on food retailer strategic behavior and marketing, food market structure and performance, and coordination across the food supply chain. The role involves conducting complex economic research on food markets and food access, analyzing varied sources of primary and secondary data, and estimating how economic shocks, policies, competition, and supply-chain changes affect consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and producers.

The position is advertised at the GS-12 level. Applicants must meet the basic economics education requirement and qualify through specialized experience, a related doctoral degree, or a combination of education and experience. The position is a permanent federal career or career-conditional position under Direct Hire Authority. It is based in Kansas City and may be eligible for telework up to four days per week, as well as flexible work arrangements under agency policy.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Must complete federal employment verification through E-Verify.
• Must meet the basic education requirement: a degree in economics including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus; or equivalent coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• For GS-12 qualification through experience, must have one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 and directly related to the position.
• Specialized experience must include applying advanced economic research methodologies and quantitative analysis to complex economic research or analysis of food-market trends or consumer food choices, and managing large and complex econometric or simulation analyses.
• Alternatively, may qualify with a related Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, such as in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, or a related discipline, or a combination of doctoral education and specialized experience.
• Qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the announcement closing date of November 13, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research projects and cooperate with team members in preparing and publishing policy-relevant research.
• Plan and conduct complex economic analyses and research related to food markets and food access.
• Assess the validity and sufficiency of primary and secondary data and information gathered from varied sources, including data with gaps or varying reliability.
• Estimate how economic shocks and policies affect consumer demand, retailer strategies, and manufacturer decisions.
• Analyze how retailers compete strategically through prices and non-price channels.
• Estimate welfare impacts of market structure and competition, and/or analyze how input price shocks transmit through a consolidated supply chain and affect consumers and producers.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized; final determination is made by the hiring official at the time of job offer.
• Potential eligibility for telework up to four days per week and flexible work arrangements, subject to agency policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree