Job Description

REMOTE IN THE UNITED STATES

Mercy For Animals aims to construct a compassionate food system by reducing suffering and ending the exploitation of animals for food. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free to pursue their own interests. _  _

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us to help spread compassion around the globe.

We are currently seeking an ECONOMIST to join our RESEARCH team. In this role, you will DO INVALUABLE WORK:

• Conduct detailed research using insights from agricultural, behavioral, and experimental economics and econometric modeling to answer a variety of questions related to animal and plant farming; consumption of animal products and plant-based proteins; the interrelation of advocacy outcomes, such as corporate animal welfare commitments, with market and policy outcomes, such as consumer food preferences and subsidies; and animal agriculture's connections to the environment and public health
• Create viable transition models for factory farmers participating in our Transfarmation Project 
• Collect information from farmers regarding the economics of factory farming and potential plant-based models 
• Innovate creative solutions to financial challenges faced by contract farmers, such as indebtedness and dependency on integrators 
• Stay abreast of corporate and legislative progress relating to animal welfare and plant-based food policy 
• Develop research methods based on the best economic theory to identify the impacts of corporate and legislative progress
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses of current and prospective animal-advocacy tactics and use findings to recommend action
• Work with the research director to identify knowledge gaps and create methodologies for filling them
• Collect data using observational and experimental methodologies
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret research data
• Document and report research findings and present them to internal and external stakeholders
• Attend and present research findings at relevant conferences 
• Build relationships and collaborate with other researchers 
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures
• Perform any other duties assigned by the team lead

Your QUALIFICATIONS will take our research to the next level:

• Master's degree in a field of applied economics, such as agricultural or behavioral economics (doctorate preferred)
• Three to five years of quantitative research experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Research experience using econometric methods (familiarity with discrete choice, fixed effects, random effects, time series, and other tangential econometric methodologies a plus)
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with enthusiasm for finding and handling large and complex datasets
• Experience using statistical software packages for complex quantitative analysis or comfort with at least one programming language typically used in data science (such as R, Stata, or Python)
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as a high degree of organization, efficiency, and attention to detail
• Ability to translate complex results for lay audiences
• Commitment and openness to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles

IS THIS THE RIGHT FIT? ABSOLUTELY, IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU:

I'm a strategy-driven researcher with a robust econometric skill set. I can cater to a variety of requests and apply economic thinking to contexts ranging from public-policy development and analysis to data cleaning and statistical modeling for fellow researchers. I take initiative to identify problems, develop methodologies, and find solutions. I am empathetic and enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds, and I can effectively communicate economic rationale to lay audiences. I'm comfortable working independently and eager to serve as the organization's authority on economic questions and research projects.  

ABOUT YOUR TEAM LEADER

Your team leader, the director of research, is a mission-driven researcher who joined Mercy For Animals in November 2020. She has a background in human-animal interaction with training in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience methodologies. She has extensive experience in organizational direction and has served in various research and leadership positions in academic and nonprofit environments. A strategy-focused team player, she aims to leverage individual expertise and collaboration to create meaningful, evidence-based change aligned with Mercy For Animals' mission. She values innovation, communication, and authenticity, and she deeply enjoys supporting and celebrating the team's work and accomplishments. Outside Mercy For Animals, your team leader enjoys photographing wildlife, listening to live music, and spending time outdoors with her husband and companion dog.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

Earn an annual salary of $50,000–$55,000, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member. In addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment, you will be able to take part in our benefits package, including no- or low-cost health, vision, and dental insurance; generous paid time off and sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3 percent of your salary.

APPLICATION DETAILS

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. 

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

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