Post Doctoral Research Assist - Precision Ag

Position Information

Position Description:
The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is seeking a highly motivated, qualified individual to join the department and the precision agriculture research team. North Dakota State University (NDSU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate , 12-month, non-tenure track position in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN), an academic unit of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR). The successful applicant will work on research focused on applications of a variety of advanced sensors (RGB, thermal, multispectral, Lidar, and hyperspectral), image and imagery analysis, GIS software, and data processing and management to implement (semi)automated solutions in support of research involving, but not limited to, crop nutrition, soils, site-specific weed management, and high throughput phenotyping for some of the main crops grown in North Dakota (mainly, but not limited to, soybeans, corn, wheat, and peas). Studies related to this USDA funded project will be carried out in collaboration with other departments across NDSU campuses, and it will involve several researchers and graduate students. Research studies will be conducted in both a greenhouse and in the field. There are several graduate students currently involved on the project, so it is expected that the individual in this position will provide some degree of mentorship to graduate students. Due to the specific application of some sensors, it is anticipated that the development and fabrication of a new platform to mount such sensors on might be needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience using a variety of sensors (i.e. RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal, Lidar) and their products (i.e. imagery, 3D point cloud, video) to support high throughput phenotyping.
• Demonstrated strong programming skills (i.e. Python, R, MATLAB) focusing on crop related applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge data analysis using machine learning and/or artificial intelligence applications.
• Interest in and ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to work independently and as a multidisciplinary team member.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including excellent oral and written communication skills.
• A valid US driver's license or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of scholarship including experience in obtaining funding, advising graduate students, and publishing research findings.
• Familiarity with North Dakota agriculture and crops grown in the state;
• Demonstrated experience working with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the imagery collected by those systems.
• A valid small UAS Remote Pilot License.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

The application should include the following:

• Letter of application showing how all minimum qualifications are met, and highlighting those preferred qualifications that are met (1-2 pages)
• Statement of research philosophy and goals (1-2 pages)
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of coursework for all university degrees
• Names, titles, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

Screening will begin 12/27/21

Salary: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For inquiries about the position, please e-mail Dr. Paulo Flores, Search Committee Chair, at paulo.flores@ndsu.edu . Include a phrase such as “Inquiry into NDSU Precision Ag Postdoc Position” in the subject line.

Land Acknowledgement

We collectively acknowledge that we gather at NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region.

Additional Information

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.