Chair, Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics

Rutgers University, School of Environmental and Biological Science ( SEBS), invites applications and nominations for Chair of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics ( DAFRE).

We seek a scholar with a proven track record in research, exceptional leadership ability, and a deep passion for innovative and inclusive education and outreach. The successful candidate will be one who appreciates and understands the unique value applied economic research and education offers to advance the land grant mission. The Chair will provide intellectual, strategic, and visionary leadership for the department's faculty, students, and staff; thus, leading the department in new directions that will take advantage of new opportunities for innovation and growth in student enrollment and research opportunities, as well as addressing pressing social issues affecting New Jersey, our region, and the world. A forward-looking perspective on the future direction of the discipline, coupled with the capacity to identify and cultivate new opportunities for departmental growth and expansion, is key for building the department's expertise and increasing student enrollment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Rutgers and a successful candidate should embrace DEI in all aspects of research, teaching, and outreach/service activities and programs.

Within the enviable context of New Jersey, New Brunswick, and the Northeast corridor, we seek applicants who will expand and strengthen connections with industry to catalyze new research and engagement opportunities, grow student enrollment, and enhance student experiential learning, internship opportunities, and career prospects. New Jersey and the tri-state area have one of the largest concentrations of U.S. food firms, pharmaceuticals firms, and financial markets in the U.S. New Brunswick's strategic location is a mere 45 minutes to New York City, a 2-hour train ride to Washington DC, and half an hour to the world through the Newark Liberty Airport.

Major Responsibilities:

The compensation package offered is highly competitive. The Chair is a 9-month academic appointment typically for the duration of 3 years, with the possibility of renewal. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2023, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The position is available on July 1, 2024, and the start date is negotiable.

Applicants should have academic credentials commensurate with an appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure. A Ph.D. or its foreign equivalent in a related field is required.

The Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics ( https://dafre.rutgers.edu/) is home to internationally recognized faculty, conducting economic and policy research on the development and impact of innovations in food, nutrition and health, agriculture, the environment and sustainability, bio-based and clean energy sectors, agribusiness and agricultural marketing, technology adoption, and international development. The department has close ties to diverse industry sectors, including agricultural, food, pharmaceutical, renewable energy, and biotechnology industries, as well as government agencies such as the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Department of Environmental Production, USDA, USAID, and the World Bank. Our undergraduate and master's programs have strengths in economic theory and quantitative analysis of policies and challenges of governments and industry.

Rutgers University is ranked 15th of 227 U.S. public universities by U.S. News and World Report 2023. As the land grant university of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed to excellence in scholarship, providing educational opportunities that support student success, and community engagement to address the pressing needs and aspirations shaping society. Our success is firmly rooted in a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that broadens knowledge through a wide array of perspectives and experiences, as outlined in the university's recent Diversity Strategic Plan ( https://diversity.rutgers.edu/). Rutgers - New Brunswick recently completed an Academic Master Plan ( https://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/academic-master-plan) that identifies strategies to advance the university's academic mission in its pursuit to be a national leader among institutions of higher education.

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences is guided by a vision for a healthy and sustainable future that balances the well-being of all living organisms with the health of the earth. The school includes 12 academic departments that support 21 majors, plus a multitude of minors and certificate programs. Experiential learning - from students working in labs to industry internships - enables our students to explore interests and possible careers. Students at Rutgers are encouraged to forge unique pathways that utilize opportunities across the entire University.

The school is closely affiliated with Rutgers' New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ( NJAES) and its strong applied research and community outreach programs across New Jersey and around the world ( https://njaes.rutgers.edu/). Through Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, off-campus field stations, farms, and business incubators that focus on research in critical areas, ranging from food, fisheries, agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and allied businesses, NJAES works to serve New Jersey residents, communities, and businesses in every corner of the state.

When prompted in the application, include the names and contact information of three (3) professional references who can address, in their professional judgment, your performance in advancing your scholarly field, the significance of the venues in which you have been published, leadership experience and accomplishments, grant activity, instructional accomplishments, and service performed. This information may be used to solicit reference letters within the employment system. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. Please also provide:

Questions can be directed to Search Committee Co-Chairs, Yanhong Jin at Yanhong.Jin@rutgers.edu and Margaret Brennan Tonetta at mbrennan@rutgers.edu.