Position Summary

The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks a full-time, academic-year Associate Professor (FT) to serve as the Director of the Institute of Public Utilities (IPU).

The Institute of Public Utilities (IPU) supports informed, effective, and efficient regulation of the infrastructure-intensive network industries that provide essential electricity, natural gas, water, and broadband services. IPU was established in 1965 and operates as a self-sustaining unit within MSU Extension at Michigan State University, the nation’s pioneer land-grant institution. We are located on MSU’s beautiful East Lansing campus and collaborate with faculty and researchers from various academic colleges, departments, and centers.

IPU specializes in conducting applied research and providing exceptional learning and networking opportunities to professionals in the utility policy community. Consistent with IPU’s academic purpose, IPU is devoted to the ideals of regulatory independence and technical capacity. IPU’s neutral analytical and instructional practice is informed by a broad array of traditional and applied disciplines, including economics, political science, law, accounting, finance, and engineering. IPU‘s educational forums sharpen the skills needed by regulatory professionals to address today’s most salient challenges of infrastructure governance, including the integration of markets and economic regulation.

IPU’s educational programs feature a diverse faculty network that includes both nationally recognized university educators and expert practitioners known for their insight, experience, and teaching ability. Program participation is typically eligible for continuing education credits.

The Director is responsible for designing curricula, selecting program faculty, managing operations, and delivering core lectures for the Institute’s nationally and internationally recognized educational programs. The Director also leads IPU’s applied research program. The Director maintains internal linkages across MSU colleges and departments, as well as external linkages with other universities and organizations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Economics, agricultural economics, political science, public policy, public administration, law (J.D.), or another field relevant to utility regulation.

Minimum Requirements

An earned Ph.D. in economics, agricultural economics, political science, public policy, public administration, law (J.D.), or another field relevant to utility regulation. A demonstrated record of sustained professional experience and engagement in the economic regulation of public utilities. 

Desired Qualifications

• A deep institutional and interdisciplinary understanding of the theory, principles, and practice of public utility regulation.
• A record of scholarship in economic regulation. 
• A record of national engagement in economic regulation of utilities.
• Practice experience in or before a regulatory agency as a professional staff member, expert witness, or counsel.
• Commitment to ethical conduct and unbiased support of sound utility regulation. 
• Experience in an academic institution in a faculty, research, or outreach position.
• Experience in delivering content in continuing professional education programs.
• Experience in applied research and grant-funded projects.
• Experience in outreach, marketing, and communication.
• Experience in working independently and collaboratively with a diffuse policy community. 
• Sector specialization in the electricity, natural gas, or water sectors.

Required Application Materials

Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes a) qualifications for the position and statement of {teaching/Extension/graduate student advising} philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and d) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Instructions

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 4, 2024 and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Janice Beecher, Department of Political Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, beecher@msu.edu. 

Review of Applications Begins On

12/04/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Department Statement

The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics:  Michigan State University is the pioneer Land Grant University, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is a national leader in agricultural education, research, and extension programming.  The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is made up of approximately 45 faculty (36 located in East Lansing), 62 graduate students, and 400 undergraduate students. We address societal policy questions and solve practical problems for producers, consumers, and the environment. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare the next generation of economists and managers to meet the needs of the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems in Michigan and around the world. AFRE Community Norms are listed at: www.canr.msu.edu/afre/about/community-norms. For more information on the department, see: www.afre.msu.edu.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Creating a Sense of Belonging:

Michigan State University occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi people. The University resides on Land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.  Candidates are invited to view AFRE norms at www.canr.msu.edu/afre/about/community-norms. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Michigan State University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and, in the context of employment, affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, political persuasion, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or familial status. 

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.