Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University
Position: Principal Economist, Commodity Markets and Policy Analysis
The Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC) at North Dakota State University invites applications for a career-track position as Principal Economist, Commodity Markets and Policy Analysis. This appointment offers an exciting opportunity for an individual passionate about advancing applied agricultural policy research and strengthening the Center’s analytical capacity in market disruption analysis, agricultural trade, commodity markets, and policy evaluation. The successful candidate will contribute to ARPC’s mission by producing timely, rigorous, and policy-relevant research and applied market analysis that informs agricultural policy in the United States, particularly during periods of market stress and disruption.
The Principal Economist will work closely with ARPC Leadership to shape the strategic direction of the Center’s market disruption research agenda. This collaborative role involves identifying emerging market risks, developing empirically grounded research projects, and generating evidence on how trade policy, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical shocks, input cost pressures, and other market disturbances affect producers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. The successful candidate’s contributions will be integral to the Center’s mission to inform U.S. agricultural policy with data-driven insights relevant to stakeholders and decision-makers.
A vital part of this position is collaborating closely with the ARPC Leadership to design and execute projects on agricultural trade, commodity market volatility, policy responses to market disruptions, and related issues in applied agricultural economics. The successful candidate will lead peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, stakeholder reports, presentations, and other research products that translate rigorous empirical analysis into practical guidance for policymakers, industry leaders, commodity organizations, and producer groups. In this role, the successful candidate will help bridge the gap between high-quality academic research and the urgent policy questions facing agriculture in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The successful candidate will provide leadership in economic modeling, impact assessment, and collaborative project development, while contributing to a supportive environment that encourages high-quality applied policy research. The successful candidate will also mentor junior staff and students, help develop externally funded projects, and support the long-term growth of ARPC initiatives in market disruption analysis. This position offers a unique opportunity for a motivated individual to expand the reach and relevance of ARPC’s work through impactful research at the intersection of agricultural policy, commodity markets, trade, and economic resilience.
Key Responsibilities:
Help shape ARPC’s research strategy on commodity markets, market disruptions, agricultural trade, and related policy issues in collaboration with Center leadership.
Lead applied research on commodity markets, trade, supply chain resilience, price volatility, and other emerging challenges affecting U.S. agriculture.
Design and conduct empirical analyses using appropriate quantitative methods, economic models, and market, trade, farm-level, and policy data.
Produce timely and policy-relevant research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, technical reports, market intelligence reports, presentations, and extension-style publications.
Monitor developments in commodity markets, trade policy, input costs, and other economic shocks, and translate those developments into actionable analysis for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and producers.
Build and sustain interdisciplinary collaborations, external partnerships, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the relevance, visibility, and impact of ARPC research.
Support the development of externally funded research projects and contribute to the long-term growth of ARPC’s research initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in agricultural economics, economics, or a closely related field by the start date for appointment at the rank of Research Assistant Professor. Alternatively, candidates with a master’s degree and at least five years of professional experience conducting applied economic analysis in agricultural policy, commodity markets, agribusiness, or related sectors may be considered for the rank of Assistant Professor of Practice.
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated expertise in agricultural commodity markets, agricultural policy, agricultural trade, market disruptions, price analysis, economic modeling, impact assessment, or closely related areas.
Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively convey research results to academic, policy, and stakeholder audiences.
Experience producing extension publications, market outlook reports, commodity market commentary, or other applied research products targeted to producers, commodity organizations, or policymakers.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, policy-oriented research environment and to provide leadership in applied research initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications:
A record of peer-reviewed publications, policy reports, extension publications, market analyses, or related outputs in agricultural economics, trade, commodity markets, risk management, or closely related fields.
Familiarity with U.S. agricultural policy frameworks, trade policy, market assistance programs, and agricultural risk management strategies.
Demonstrated experience analyzing agricultural commodity markets, price dynamics, supply chains, or trade flows affecting U.S. agriculture and translating those analyses into applied policy or market intelligence outputs.
Experience using modern computational tools, including AI-assisted coding tools, large language models, or automated data workflows, to support economic modeling, market monitoring, and applied policy analysis.
Candidates with experience producing applied commodity market analysis or extension-style economic publications are especially encouraged to apply.
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with rank, experience, and qualifications. The role also provides a unique opportunity for professional growth within a collaborative, research-driven environment focused on high-impact applied policy analysis.
This is a full-time position at the rank of Research Assistant/Associate Professor or Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice, depending on qualifications. Continuation is dependent on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
Starting Date: July 1, 2026, or as negotiated.
To apply for the position, upload the following documents:
Cover letter,
Curriculum vitae,
Statement of research interests and applied policy interests
One (or at most two) published research papers, working papers, or policy reports, and
Names and contact information for three professional references.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Shawn Arita at [email protected]. Applications should be received by May 18, 2026, to ensure full consideration for interviews in late May 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Employment is contingent upon completing a pre-employment criminal background check.
About the Department, the University, and the Region: The Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University is recognized for excellence in research, teaching, and stakeholder engagement across agricultural and applied economics. The department brings together expertise in agricultural policy, risk management, agribusiness, international trade, and market analysis, and it houses ARPC, a federally supported research center focused on agricultural risk management policy and market disruptions. Faculty in the department are actively involved in interdisciplinary research and maintain strong collaborations across campus and with external partners throughout the region and beyond. The department offers undergraduate majors in Economics, Agribusiness, and Agricultural Economics, as well as a Master’s degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics. As a Carnegie Very High Research Activity institution, North Dakota State University continues to expand its research portfolio, extramural funding, and impact through applied scholarship and public engagement. With approximately 12,000 students, NDSU provides a dynamic academic environment and is committed to equal opportunity, inclusion, and institutional excellence.
Fargo-Moorhead is a vibrant and growing metropolitan region in the Upper Midwest, supported by a diverse economy that includes agribusiness, agricultural manufacturing, food processing, financial services, technology, healthcare, logistics, and retail. As the largest metropolitan area between Minneapolis and Spokane, the region serves as an important economic, educational, and cultural center for the Northern Plains. Fargo-Moorhead offers the amenities and opportunities of a growing metro area while maintaining a high quality of life, a relatively low cost of living, and a strong sense of community. The area is home to excellent K-12 schools, three higher education institutions, advanced healthcare services, and a collaborative business environment that supports innovation and long-term growth. With a metropolitan population of approximately 250,000, Fargo-Moorhead also provides extensive parks and trails, year-round outdoor and indoor recreation, and a strong visual and performing arts community, making it an attractive place to live and work for faculty, staff, and students.
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
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100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
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Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
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Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
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Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
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Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
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Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
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Supportive work-life balance
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Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
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50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
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Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
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Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
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Supplemental Retirement Plans
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].
