We’d love for you to join our team!
Collaboration is the foundation of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture. Our staff works with farmers, conservation professionals, landowners and researchers across the United States to build more resilient food and agriculture systems. Please read through the opportunities below to find the right one for you.
If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Kelly Wilson at kellyrwilson@missouri.edu or Makayla Zimmerman at vorism@missouri.edu.
The Center for Regenerative Agriculture is looking for a social science researcher to play a key role in a NIFA-AFRI Social Implications of Digital Technologies funded grant focused on the socio-economic impact and adoption behavior of virtual fencing technologies for livestock in Missouri and Colorado. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a farmer-focused applied research project on an interdisciplinary team and contribute to other Center for Regenerative Agriculture research and extension projects. You will work under the supervision of the PI, Dr. Kelly Wilson, Assistant Professor in School of Natural Resources, and the Associate Director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture. Key duties and responsibilities will include:
- Co-lead design and implementation of producer surveys, including survey development, administration, and monitoring response rates to reduce nonresponse.
- Manage, clean, and analyze quantitative datasets using reproducible workflows, including statistical analyses.
- Provide quantitative methodological expertise to the research team, including advising on survey measurement, selection of statistical analytical approaches, and interpretation of findings
- Apply social science theoretical frameworks (e.g., diffusion of innovations, technology acceptance, behavioral models) to research design, measurement, and interpretation
- Integrate survey findings with qualitative data from farmer interviews in a mixed methods design
- Support qualitative data collection and analysis with farmers and farm partners as needed
- Liaise with technology development collaborators including virtual fencing companies and project partners.
- Lead or co-lead peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication, and contribute to the disseminate of research findings through extension bulletins, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations
Minimum qualifications
PhD in sociology, applied agricultural economics, rural sociology, natural resources social sciences, or any other related social science discipline by the time of appointment.
To apply
Apply online (Job ID 61408), and submit the following materials:
- Cover letter outlining your research experience, interests, and why you are interested in this position.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant qualifications, skills, and experience.
- Contact information for three professional references.
For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Kelly Wilson (kellyrwilson@missouri.edu).
Every fall, the Center for Regenerative Agriculture opens the Judy Grundler Internship for an undergraduate student interested in sustainability and regenerative agriculture. The Judy Grundler Internship was funded to help students gain knowledge and career skills relevant to regenerative agriculture.
The intern will work with the Center faculty and staff on a variety of ongoing projects. Depending on the interests of the student, activities may include:
- Assist in research on regenerative agriculture, soil health, and farmer adoption of regenerative farming practices
- Help engage farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices like cover crops, regenerative grazing, virtual fencing, another conservation measures
- Support farmer field days and other educational programs
- Communicate current research and news on regenerative agriculture and sustainability to various audiences, including farmers, landowners, farm advisors, consumers, and companies
Duration
The intern will work approximately 8-10 hours a week (based on time availability and interest) and will be paid $16 per hour. The internship will last through the fall semester, with the possibility of renewal for the spring semester.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please fill out the internship interest form below. Our team will reach out when the application period reopens.
Are you a student or recent graduate interested in regenerative agriculture? Fill out this form to be the first to find out about new internship opportunities with our Center.