JOB SUMMARY

Research Position at Western Rural Development Center

Posting Number: SP004759P
Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department: Western Rural Development Center (WRDC)
Location: Boise

About Us

Born from the Rural Development Act of 1972, the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) is one of four U.S. centers dedicated to thriving rural communities. A partnership between the University of Idaho and the USDA, with core funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, we team up with Western public universities and local communities. Our mission? To fuel research, spark educational outreach, and strengthen land-grant universities and extension services for self-sustaining rural life.

What You’ll Do

We’re seeking a researcher to dive into impactful projects with creativity and independence. You’ll analyze data, tweak methods, and share findings under general supervision, with room to shine. Duties might include:

• Helping plan and design major scientific studies or projects.
• Conducting research and crunching data.
• Crafting reports with visuals and insights.
• Comparing results to benchmarks and interpreting what they mean.
• Overseeing field work or site inspections when needed.
• Managing a piece of a project—from design to evaluation.
• Innovating and testing new research methods.
• Keeping detailed records and writing reports for the Principal Investigator and funders.
• Tackling other tasks as they come up.

What You Bring

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Applied Economics or Economics.
• Two years of research experience beyond your Master’s, tied to this field.
• Availability for occasional evenings, weekends, and travel.

Preferred:

• Ph.D. in Applied Economics or Economics.
• Stellar organizational and time management skills.
• Proven knack for tracking and summarizing research data.
• A track record of research wins and productivity.
• Top-tier training in qualitative methods, econometrics, and applied microeconomic theory.
• Hands-on experience with econometric software (STATA is a big plus).
• Background in interdisciplinary, U.S.-funded research teams.
• Experience presenting at national or international conferences.
• Work on U.S. entrepreneurship with a focus on minority communities.
• Outstanding writing and communication skills.

Physical Requirements & Conditions

None specified—just bring your energy!

Details

• Pay: $59,716.80 annually or higher, based on experience.
• Status: Exempt, Full-Time (1.0 FTE).
• Funding: Position depends on continued work/funding.
• Visa Sponsorship: Available.
• Posting Date: 02/25/2025
• First Review: Applications by March 11, 2025, get priority.
• Open Until Filled: Yes

How to Apply

Head to uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/47265. Submit:

A Letter of Qualification addressing all minimum qualifications (and as many preferred ones as you can)—resumes alone won’t cut it!

Unofficial transcripts.

Two published journal articles (upload to “Other Document 1”).

Want the full scoop? Email Paul Lewin at plewin@uidaho.edu for the complete position description.

Applicant Resources

Check out uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources for tips. Final candidates will need to pass a background check.

About the University of Idaho

We’re an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive community. No matter your background—race, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or beyond—you’re welcome here.

Ready to make a difference in rural development? Apply now!

Job ID: jeid-e529eac5f098e6489f48c358a0371ffb