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.
