A Research Fellow (level I/II/III) in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology (DAERS) of the College of Agriculture at Auburn University is currently available to a qualified and highly motivated candidate to play a key role in a food security project. The project has two key objectives: to survey the range of production, processing and marketing practices of Southeastern farmers who sell their animal products locally or regionally and to determine Southeastern consumers’ attitudes toward and beliefs about the safety, availability, quality, affordability and desirability of local and regional foods.

This position is a 1 year limited term, non‐tenure, accruing position. Continuance (up to 2 additional years), is based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The appointment may start as early as October 1, 2012. Full‐time employees of Auburn University are eligible for an attractive benefits package which can be reviewed at http://www.auburn.edu/administration/business_office/payroll/.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate’s primary responsibility will be to develop, conduct, and analyze a consumer attitudes survey; and in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia conduct a set of cattle producer case studies and face‐to‐face interviews with small‐scale livestock supply chain actors. Under the direction of the project team, the candidate will develop publications for relevant peer‐reviewed journals, outreach reports, and presentations at appropriate professional conferences and outreach venues.

Qualifications: The minimum qualification is an earned PhD in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., sociology, rural sociology, anthropology, geography, agricultural economics) by the time of the appointment. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated knowledge of survey research methods and analysis, as well as the methods and analysis of in‐situ observation and face‐to‐face interviews. The candidate must also demonstrate an ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team, and to work independently to achieve the goals outlined by the research team. Furthermore, they will have a record of publication and demonstrated knowledge of the agrifood system. A background in governance, especially food safety, is highly desired. The Research Fellow will be required to work and to travel independently. Periodic overnight travel for data collection and associated activities, as well as the presentation of research results, is expected. Thus, a valid driver’s license is a requisite. The candidate selected as the Research Fellow must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States by the appointment date and continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.

Application Procedure: Interested applicants should log on to www.auemployment.com and refer to requisition number 24285, position number 161100. Please provide a letter of interest that details your qualifications including a statement of your interests and goals as they relate to food security. Please also submit a complete C.V., undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and complete contact information (postal address, e‐mail address, phone number) for three professional references that may be contact for letters of recommendation. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of candidates will begin August 03, 2012 and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact:
For additional information or questions about the position, please contact
Dr. Michelle R. Worosz
Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
306A Comer Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849‐5406
Phone: 334.844.5682; Fax: 334.844.5639
Email: mrw0016@auburn.edu