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. New and emerging access to geospatial and farm- and field-level survey data provides a significant opportunity to expand and enrich our analysis of farm conservation decisions and conservation policy. Research projects will focus on policy issues associated with the design of incentive payments, public-private partnerships and markets for providing ecosystem services associated with land use change. Expertise in spatial econometrics a plus. 

What Is ERS?

The Economic Research Service is a primary source of economic information and research in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 350 employees, ERS conducts a research program to inform and enhance public and private decision making 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 nearly 250 economists and social scientists working on timely, policy-relevant research. The selected Postdoc candidates will work independently and in partnerships 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 high-quality in-house reports and other publications and on our much-visited website. ERS analysts are also expected to publish in peer-reviewed academic journals and in papers presented to academic colleagues at conferences and meetings, 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 annual 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.

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 must be U.S. citizens or be noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence and seeking citizenship.

• Guidance on employment of noncitizens is found at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/EmployForeignNationals/index.htm

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 graduate and undergraduate transcripts or list of courses successfully completed (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: August 10, 2012 - March 29, 2013.  Applications will be reviewed beginning August 17, 2012 and selections could be made any time after that date.

Send your application and supporting materials (electronic submission is strongly encouraged) to:

Cathi T. Ferguson USDA - ERS/HR
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Mail Stop 1800
Washington, DC  20250-1800  
Phone: 202-694-5405 Fax: 202-245-5605
ferguson@ers.usda.gov

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

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.