The Economic Research Service (ERS) Postdoctoral Program
ERS has openings for Postdoctoral positions in Washington, DC, in the following subject areas:
Natural resources, environment and energy:Economist
Incumbent will research the economic and environmental implications of alternative policy approaches for increasing agriculture’s ecosystem services, with particular attention to market-based approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Analysis will focus on policy and other factors in land use and land management decisions. Expertise in spatial econometrics a plus.
Agricultural production and technology: Economist Incumbent will analyze questions relating to productivity and technological change in U.S. and international agriculture. Analysis could include the implications of global diffusion of biotechnology and other emerging technologies for shifting patterns of production and resource use. Other lines of inquiry could include emerging patterns of capital investment and input substitution, and the roles of public and private sectors in international technology development and transfer.
Rural development:Rural Sociologist/Demographer
Incumbent will conduct research on the role of demographic forces—including changes in racial/ethnic composition, age structure, and settlement patterns—on rural economic growth and household well-being.
What Is ERS?
The Economic Research Service is a primary source of economic information and research in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 450 employees, ERS conducts a research program to inform public and private decisionmakers on economic and policy issues involving food, farming, natural resources, and rural development.
Why Work at ERS?
Employment at ERS offers a stimulating intellectual environment with ample potential for personal and professional growth. Our staff includes over 300 economists and social scientists working on timely, policy-relevant research. The selected Postdoc candidates will partner with coworkers from diverse backgrounds and will interact with other professionals through team projects, seminars, and collaboration with peers in other agencies and academia.
ERS analysts conduct research on a variety of topics, employing advanced econometric and modeling approaches applied to extensive data and GIS resources. Results are disseminated in quality in-house publications, both in print and on our much-visited website. ERS analysts also publish in peer-reviewed academic journals, further enhancing their professional credentials.
The Postdoc appointees to the ERS team will conduct independent and collaborative research on issues that matter, in a challenging environment in which to continue their professional careers.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for these positions (including locality pay) is $84,855. Benefits include eligibility for health insurance and life insurance. Appointees also earn annual and sick leave and receive 10 paid holidays per year.
Tenure
Employment in the Postdoc program is a temporary, 2-year appointment, although it may be extended an additional year for a total of 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must complete a Ph.D. degree prior to employment. Preference is given to candidates whose degree has been received not more than 4 years prior to employment.
Candidates need not be U.S. citizens; however, noncitizens must meet certain criteria.
• Influence policy • Publish and flourish • Work with the highly regarded ERS team • Attend stimulating seminars
Employment that offers:
• Competitive salaries and benefits • State-of-the-art technical support
• A modern office facility in the heart of the Nation’s capital • Access to unique data resources
How To Apply
Send one curriculum vitae to the address below, and indicate the position(s) for which you are applying.
The following information must be included in your CV or submitted separately for ERS to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet legal requirements for Federal employment:
Copy of your college transcripts or list of college courses (include a description of any course not readily identifiable by the title).
Exact date or expected date (month/year) of completion of all Ph.D. degree requirements. Graduates of foreign universities must include proof that their Ph.D. degree is equivalent to one granted by an accredited U.S. college or university.
List of publications, presentations, and honors/awards.
One-page abstract of Ph.D. dissertation.
Title of position(s) for which you are applying and statement of how you meet the special requirements of the position(s), including information concerning pertinent courses, publications, and accomplishments.
Description of paid and nonpaid work experience related to the position.
Country of citizenship.
Veterans’ preference (if applicable).
Highest Federal civilian grade held (if applicable).
Open Period: December 1, 2010 – March 25, 2011. Applications will be reviewed beginning December 17, 2010 and selections could be made any time after that date.
Send your application and supporting materials to:
Cathi T. Ferguson USDA – ERS/HR
1800 M Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-694-5405 Fax: 202-694-5936
ferguson@ers.usda.gov
This information can also be downloaded in pdf format.
EEO/No FEAR—Equal
Employment Opportunity data posted pursuant to the Notification
and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation
Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act), Public Law 107-174.
