Research Professional I (Part Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Professional I will support applied research, data analysis, and outcome evaluations for a project targeting Limited Beginning Producers in Arizona, along with related economics analyses. The role works with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and nonprofit partners to improve land access, business management, climate-smart production, marketing, and the economic viability of beginning farmers and ranchers across Arizona.

The position applies graduate-level training in agricultural and applied economics, econometrics, statistics, and research data management to analyze producer-level and program data, assess changes in business and management practices, and develop evidence for Extension personnel, project partners, and agricultural producers. Research topics include the economics of farm establishment and expansion, farm financial decisions, market opportunities, agricultural credit and risk management, and adoption of production practices. The position is eligible for a hybrid and flexible schedule. It is an extended temporary employment position, with 24 hours of work per week and a target hire date of January 4, 2027; the expected end date is August 1, 2027. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally with faculty and agricultural producers.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate analytical findings clearly in lay-oriented materials and technical publications.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Statistics, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Graduate-level training in econometrics, statistics, production economics, or quantitative applied economic analysis.
• Experience using R or Python and TSP (Time Series Processor) for statistical programming, economic analysis, and data visualization.
• Experience managing and analyzing research datasets, including data cleaning, merging, documentation, and quality checks.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate producer and market information related to direct sales, community-supported agriculture, wholesale opportunities, restaurant markets, and other local food marketing arrangements.
• Prepare publication-quality tables, figures, charts, and concise economic summaries for project reports, Extension materials, grant reporting, scholarly manuscripts, and presentations for producer and policy audiences.
• Support assessment of economic trade-offs associated with climate-smart practices, including soil amendments, cover crops, irrigation, drought management, and practices that extend growing seasons.
• Compile, clean, merge, validate, and document data from participant surveys, training assessments, farm records, agricultural markets, government programs, and other relevant research sources; maintain confidentiality and appropriate data-handling practices.
• Apply statistical and econometric methods appropriate to available data, including descriptive and comparative analysis, regression, panel-data methods, fixed effects, and causal-inference approaches when research designs permit.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members.
• Retirement plans.
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities.
• Full benefits eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level