ARPC Visiting Research Fellow

North Dakota State University ARPC Visiting Research Fellow Description The Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC) at North Dakota State University invites applications for a part-time, fixed-term Visiting Research Fellow position. The fellowship is designed for advanced doctoral students and recent PhD graduates with research interests in agricultural policy, risk management, market analysis, international trade, supply chains, and applied quantitative research. The appointment is based in Fargo, North Dakota, and fellows are expected to work in residence at ARPC for the duration of the appointment. This position provides an opportunity to join an active applied research environment and to contribute to policy-relevant research in areas such as agricultural risk policy, farm safety net programs, market disruptions, trade, export competitiveness, and data-driven analysis for agriculture in collaboration with ARPC faculty. Fellows will participate in ongoing research activities, advance an independent or collaborative research agenda, and contribute to research products such as working papers, manuscripts, policy briefs, presentations, and related outputs. The appointment is up to 20 hours per week, with competitive compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. The initial term of appointment will be determined based on program needs, funding availability, and candidate fit, with a preferred start date as negotiated. ARPC seeks candidates whose research aligns with one or more of the following areas: agricultural policy, risk and insurance, trade, markets, food systems, applied econometrics, spatial analysis, market structure, or data-intensive empirical research. Minimum Qualifications Successful applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be an advanced PhD student in agricultural economics, applied economics, economics, or a closely related field; or
• Have completed a PhD in agricultural economics, applied economics, economics, or a closely related field, preferably within the last two to three years.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong quantitative training.
• Experience with applied empirical research.
• Proficiency working with large datasets.
• Coding skills in one or more programming languages commonly used for empirical research, such as Python, R, Stata, or similar.
• Authorization to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship is available for this position. Preferred Qualifications
• Evidence of an active research agenda or strong publication potential in agricultural policy, market analysis, risk, and trade.
• Experience with applied microeconometrics, policy analysis, market analysis, trade, risk, or related areas.
• Familiarity with reproducible research workflows and data documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
• Interest in producing research outputs that are useful to academic, applied, and policy audiences. Responsibilities
• Contribute to ongoing ARPC research activities.
• Advance a research project aligned with ARPC's mission and evidence of an active research agenda or strong publication potential in agricultural policy, market analysis, risk, and trade.
• Participate in seminars, meetings, and related center activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and research staff as appropriate.
• Contribute to research outputs, including manuscripts, working papers, presentations, policy briefs, and related products.

Appointment Terms The position is part-time, with an expected workload of up to 20 hours per week. The appointment is for a fixed term and requires the fellow to be in residence in Fargo, North Dakota. Compensation will be competitive and based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Application Materials To apply, please submit:

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement of research interests and how they align with ARPC.
• One research paper, dissertation chapter, or job market paper.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Review of Applications Applications received by April 31, 2026, will receive full consideration. Review will continue until the position is filled. Please submit all application materials to arpc.fellows@ndsu.edu. Inquiries For inquiries, please contact Dr. Sandro Steinbach at sandro.steinbach@ndsu.edu. 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, the Midwest's premier agricultural policy research center focused on 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. Job Information Contact Name Shanna Pugh Contact Email arpc.fellows@ndsu.edu City Fargo State/Province North Dakota Country United States