Assistant Professor in Agricultural Data Analytics and Economics

Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics

The Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Saskatoon is seeking a dynamic and innovative individual for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Agricultural Data Analytics and Economics. The successful candidate will join a vibrant and collaborative academic community committed to advancing research and education in agricultural economics and business, and related fields. The successful candidate will join a cohort of several new professors hired within the strategic area of Sustainable and Digital Agriculture, a priority research area rich in potential for collaboration, partnership, innovation, and impact. Information about this cluster hire can be found at agbio.usask.ca/agbio-cluster.php.

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics focuses its research and teaching around applied economics, agri-business and agri-food policy, and economic analysis for the agriculture and resource sectors. We have world-renowned graduate and undergraduate programs and our faculty have received many teaching and research awards. With students from more than15 countries we have a strong international presence.

Recent and ongoing research encompasses areas such as innovation (biotechnology, plant breeders’ rights, bioproducts, GM regulation and policy), rural communities, natural resources, and the environment (climate change, water resources, forestry, development), agri-food marketing and supply chains, food safety, international trade, entrepreneurship, and much more.

We have a long-standing reputation as one of the best departments in Canada with a student-friendly learning environment, characterized by small class sizes and excellent interaction with dedicated faculty who are recognized research leaders in their fields. We offer both doctoral and master’s degrees and four undergraduate degrees including agricultural economics, agribusiness, resource economics and policy, and jointly with The Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, Food Industry Management BSc.

The College of Agriculture and Bioresources is an international leader in applied research and scholarship with expertise and integration across four primary themes: Plants and Animals; Food, Feed and Bioproducts; Environment and Ecology; and Business and Applied Economics. The college has a century-long reputation for teaching, research and outreach and has been a consistent strength for the university. The college has played a pivotal role in the development of the agriculture and food industries in Saskatchewan and continues to build on a legacy of public engagement and cooperative partnerships. Our faculty is committed to providing an exceptional learning experience and preparing graduates for leadership in the bioeconomy.

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 26,000.

Applicants are expected to have a completed Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics with demonstrated expertise in data analysis including optimization, econometrics, quantitative methods, data analysis, and working with big data.  The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of the Western Canadian agricultural industry with a strong focus on advancing Prairie agriculture and analyzing data related to agricultural economics and agri-business. Evidence of the potential to become a high-quality post-secondary teacher-scholar and to operate as a team player in a collegial environment is also required. Candidates should be eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists (https://sia.sk.ca/).

Successful candidates will be expected to engage in the following areas:

• Teaching: Develop and deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in agricultural data analytics. Courses may include topics such as data science, statistical analysis, econometrics, and decision analysis.
• Research: Conduct high-quality research in agricultural data analytics and publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals.  The candidate will also be expected to actively pursue external funding opportunities to support research activities and to build a strong research program.
• Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to undergraduate and graduate students, including supervision of graduate research projects and theses. Encourage student involvement in research activities and facilitate opportunities for experiential learning in agricultural data analytics.
• Service: Engage in service activities within the department, university, and broader academic community. Contribute to departmental initiatives, participate in academic committees, and actively collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders.
• Professional development: Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in agricultural data analytics, big data technologies, and economic methodologies. Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance teaching effectiveness and research productivity.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from other university departments and institutes engaged in research related to sustainability and digital agriculture, including the Department of Economics, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, the Global Institute for Food Security and Global Institute for Water Security.

Salary bands for this position for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows: Assistant Professor: $99,945 to $120,099. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan, pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested candidates must submit, via email, a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, names of three references, teaching philosophy statement, summary of plans for research, along with any other supporting documents to:

Dr. Hayley Hesseln, Head and Search Committee Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

51 Campus Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8
Telephone: (306) 966-8407
Email: hayley.hesseln@usask.ca

Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated.

Review of applications will take place starting August 1, 2024; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2025.

More information about the University (www.usask.ca), the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (www.agbio.usask.ca), and the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (https://agbio.usask.ca/departments/agricultural-and-resource-economics.php) can be found online.

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthening these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.