Postdoctoral Fellow in Small Business Development
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, Oklahoma
The Department of Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a for a full-time, temporary Postdoctoral Research position. The position will receive support from a $500K grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration and will work in a multidisciplinary team to help develop and implement the "Oklahoma Rural E-Commerce Academy" initiative. The position is an opportunity to acquire expertise in outreach and engagement, as well as applied social science research and carries the expectation of excellence in Extension and research commensurate with the land grant mission of Oklahoma State University. Please see for more information about the project and grant funding.
Position Description
The successful candidate is expected to (a) travel to locations within Oklahoma to assist grant personnel with the development and execution of the Oklahoma Rural
E-Commerce Academy program (b) engage with rural retailers through interviews and focus group sessions to identify individual needs and challenges (c) help organize and implement workshops, webinars, and in-person meetings/trainings targeted to assist rural retailers (d) collect and analyze quantitative data (e.g., labor statistics and economic
indicators) and qualitative data (e.g., surveys and interviews/focus groups) related to digital retail and rural development (e) collaborate toward producing high-quality academic research papers that will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant academic conferences.
Qualifications
The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in applied economics, public policy, retail management, or any similar business or entrepreneurship-related fields. Consideration will also be given to doctoral students with planned completion dates before the start of the position. Applicants need to demonstrate interest in gaining insights into the effectiveness of digital retailing and marketing tools for rural businesses in Oklahoma. They must have an understanding of basic statistical and quantitative methods (e.g., data cleaning and regression analysis) and strong qualitative research skills (e.g., focus groups and in-depth interviews). Preference will be given to those individuals with strong verbal and written communication skills. It is important to be able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including business owners, community leaders, and residents. Creative design and implementation capabilities for workshops and e-commerce training initiatives are expected. A valid driver's license and the capacity to drive up to 3 hours one-way to reach rural Oklahoma communities is required. A personal vehicle is preferred with reimbursement for mileage, but campus fleet vehicles are also available for all program-related travel.
Employment Conditions
This position is to be filled by August 1, 2024. The position is an 11-month, non-tenure track position. The salary for this post-doctoral fellow position will be up to $75,000 per year, plus benefits (excludes retirement; compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications). There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU. Check out our competitive benefits and eligibility at Grant funds are also available for travel to meet with rural retailers and present at 1-2 conferences. Post doc appointments are made for a term of one year or less. Reappointments for a total period of not more than three years may be made.
About the Department
The Department of Agricultural Economics consists of 30 tenure and non-tenure track faculty, two area agricultural economists, one post-doctoral fellow and three extension specialists. Ten tenured faculty currently hold endowed chair or professor positions. The County Government Training Program resides in the department with ten professional staff members. Over 570 undergraduate students have majors in Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness. Approximately 50 Ph.D., M.S. and M. of Ag. students are in the department. The department has a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and extension. For more information about the department go to
Application
Formal applications are via electronic submission at search for req17204. To apply, candidates should submit: (a) a letter of application describing how their academic preparation-including research, teaching, and outreach experiences-qualifies them for this postdoctoral position; (b) curriculum vitae; and (c) names and contact information of three professional references. Questions can be directed to Dr. Andrew Van Leuven (). For best/full consideration, please submit all materials by April 1, 2024. Review of applications will begin April 15, 2024 and will continue until suitable candidates are selected.
To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.? Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.? For more information, visit
