Assistant Professor
Smart Horticultural Systems Engineering
The Departments of Biosystems Engineering and Horticulture in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University are seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Smart Horticultural Systems Engineering. This faculty position will be a nine-month, tenure-track position with a 75% research and 25% teaching appointment with tenure home in the Department of Biosystems Engineering. The projected start date is August 16, 2022.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a nationally-recognized research program that is focused on development, evaluation, and adoption of smart systems, precision agricultural technologies, and innovative sensing and automation methods for horticultural systems, with the goals of reducing labor costs, improving inventory management, reducing non-target pesticides, and improving production efficiencies. Possible applications of these smart systems include areas such as ornamental cropping systems, fruit and vegetable production systems, landscapes, and greenhouse production systems. The successful candidate will be expected to secure extramural funding to support his/her research program and summer salary from external sources such as USDA and other related federal sponsors, and from relevant industries in Alabama and across the country. The successful candidate will also be expected to collaborate effectively with biosystems engineering and horticulture faculty, and extensively with colleagues within the College of Agriculture who conduct research and extension work in horticultural systems. Instructional responsibilities will include teaching existing undergraduate and graduate level precision and smart agriculture courses as well as developing new courses covering topics including agri-industrial electrical applications, agri-industrial electronics and controls, agricultural data acquisition, data management, data analytics, and automation courses. In addition, the successful candidate will mentor biosystems engineering and/or biological and agricultural technology management students and actively participate in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research to completion, producing scholarship through recognized peer-reviewed outlets, and providing leadership to the profession through state and national professional society participation. In addition, departmental, college, and university committee service will be expected.
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in biosystems, biological, agricultural, or closely related engineering disciplines by the expected position start date. Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research and teaching in precision ag technologies, and related topics resulting in peer?reviewed publications is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research program. The successful candidate must possess excellent written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Desirable qualifications include: research and teaching experiences in application of precision ag to horticultural systems, data management, automation of agricultural operations, and data-driven decision analysis for complex agricultural systems; postdoctoral and/or industry experience; and professional engineering registration or the ability to pursue licensure as a Professional Engineer.
Application: Applicants must apply for the position by visiting the link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/24992 and attach the following: 1) cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) copies of ALL academic transcripts, 4) statement of research interests and accomplishments, 5) statement of teaching philosophy and 6) Diversity statement. When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete application materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by end of business on November 15, 2021. The search may continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Search Committee co-Chairs: Dr. Yin Bao (yzb0016@auburn.edu ) or to Dr. Daniel Wells (wellsda@auburn.edu).
The University: Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an enrollment of more than 25,400 graduate and undergraduate students. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham, AL and is about 60 miles northeast of the state capital (Montgomery). Auburn University is ranked in the top 50 public universities for its undergraduate programs and its College of Engineering is ranked 38th among public institutions offering doctoral programs. Organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, Auburn’s 1,450 faculty members offer more than 200 educational programs. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, positive work environment, student engagement, and beautiful campus. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. For details, visit the following link: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/.
Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public school system and regional medical centers.
The Department: The Department of Biosystems Engineering consists of 17 full?time faculty who solve problems in biological systems through innovative engineering research, teaching and extension activities. The Department offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Biosystems Engineering with 205 undergraduate students and 30 graduate students. Recent construction projects have resulted in over 50,000 square feet of new laboratory, classroom and office spaces in the department. More information about the department and Auburn University can be found at www.eng.auburn.edu/bsen and at www.auburn.edu respectively.
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer
