The Division of Applied Social Sciences (DASS) at the University of Missouri-Columbia is recruiting an incoming Ph.D. student for a Research Assistantship focused on agricultural policy, supervised by Dr. Alejandro Plastina. The position begins in Fall 2026 and centers on research topics such as farm policy design and evaluation, risk management, conservation incentives, farm-level decision-making, and empirical applications in U.S. agriculture. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment with access to faculty expertise in agricultural and applied economics, including specialties in environmental and development economics, managerial and organizational economics, and public policy analysis.

The ideal applicant will have experience or a strong interest in agricultural policy analysis and quantitative methods, and must demonstrate motivation and a solid work ethic. The assistantship offers a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance for 20 hours of work per week. Applicants should submit a complete application to the Ph.D. program in Agricultural and Applied Economics, specifically mentioning this RA opportunity and explaining their interest in the academic statement. Priority consideration is given to applications received by January 15, 2026.

For more information about the program, curriculum, and application process, visit the University of Missouri's graduate studies page. Direct inquiries about the position to Dr. Alejandro Plastina at [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in agricultural policy, applied economics, and quantitative research methods, and offers strong financial support and mentorship in a leading U.S. research institution.