Assistant Research Professor - Precision Agriculture/Agricultural Engineering

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a 12-month research position at the Research Assistant/Associate Professor level focusing on water for agriculture at the farm level. Research should lay emphasis on how small farmers may benefit from research into how new technologies with respect to soil and water operations applying principles of precision and smart agriculture. The researcher is expected to engage in investigations towards minimizing inputs and maximizing yields by sustainable farming practices with respect to managing the water resources at the farm level. Faculty must develop a nationally recognized research program in precision agriculture in collaboration with appropriate researchers in CESTA. Selected candidate must develop computer guided delivery systems linked to sensors and GPS for precise and targeted delivery of irrigation water, fertilizers and pesticides applying latest knowledge available in scientific domains in agricultural hydrology, water quality and irrigation and drainage engineering. The candidate will be expected to develop tools to assist farmers with respect to managing localized weather predictions in managing various aspects of their farming operations using smart technology applications. Global drivers such as change of climate and food security should be incorporated into research to achieve optimal nutrient management, food production, and environmental sustenance. The candidate should be able to work closely with current faculty in water resources engineering on hydrologic modeling, water quality and their applications in GIS and remote sensing. He/she is expected to participate in expanding the research on water resources for agriculture with particular reference to precision agriculture. The candidate is expected to develop an independent research program with external funding that is relevant to farmers in Ohio and beyond in collaboration with current researchers in CESTA and with external institutions and agencies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and maintain a competitive research program in precision agriculture that directly impacts farmers in Ohio and beyond.

• Engage in research in developing precision agriculture tools for famers for managing the farm operations under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions.

• Provide mentoring and advising to undergraduate students by engaging them in research.

• Conduct and publish research in the area of specialty.

• Participate in university and professional development activities.

• Serve on university-wide committees.

• Establish oneself in community service and collaborate with CSU’s cooperative extension program in extending research to CSU stakeholders in agriculture.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Director for Research

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in agriculture/civil/environmental engineering, or related field with experience in GIS and remote sensing applications to agriculture with respect to water for agriculture. Ph.D. must be complete at time of appointment;

• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in the areas of water for agriculture/ precision agriculture/ soil and water engineering;

• Demonstrated skill in securing grants or strong potential to secure extramural funding;

• Experience and interest in mentoring/teaching students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.