Research Specialist Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering

Position Information

The Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) at North Dakota State University, invites applications for a research specialist position to conduct research in the field of precision agriculture. The initial appointment is for 12 months with extension possible depending on satisfactory performance and funding. This position is grant funded by our USDA Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture Research Collaboration Project - specifically for using se nsors, automation systems, robotics, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), artificial intelligence, big data management systems, and bioinformatics tools in precision management of North Dakota soils, crops, and weeds. The research will focus on major crops of North Dakota such as corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and dry edible beans. Key responsibilities for a successful candidate will include: Assisting in designing, preparing and completing research experiments encompassing all areas of precision agriculture as well as preparing manuscripts for publication. Assisting in the collection and processing of data produced from UAS, robotic systems, and sensors. Supporting the supervisor in the development of new and existing projects towards the goal of advancing research and disseminating results through reports, presentations and refereed journal publications. On-site field visits to collect instrumentation data. Providing research assistance to ABEN faculty Dr. Xin (Rex) Sun and his precision agriculture group.

Work Schedule: Full time

Advertised Salary:

The salary range is $50,000- $55,000 plus benefits, per year. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in agricultural/biological/biosystems engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Research experience in precision agriculture areas such as sensors, UAS remote sensing, artificial intelligence, machine vision, robotics, and/or plot experiments to understand the interaction of genetics, environment and management.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and a multidisciplinary team member.
• Ability to interact & collaborate effectively with a diversity of colleagues and students.
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in scientific communication.
• Have a valid driver's license with the ability to travel to remote field sites. Ability to lift 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project experience in agricultural/mechanical/electrical engineering or a closely related discipline .
• Knowledge of agriculture machinery, electrical control, livestock, plant science or closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS) and Microsoft Office packages.
• Experience of robotics programming and image analysis (e.g., C, C++, Python, LabVIEW and/or MATLAB).
• Knowledge of computer aid design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)

Applicant Materials Required: The application should include the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of all university degrees
• Names, titles, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

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.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .