Research Assistant Professor - Precision Ag (2 positions)

Position Description:
This position is a non-tenure-track, 12-month, full-time, benefited faculty research position that is renewable annually. Responsibilities include research in precision agriculture - specifically on decision support to establish best crop management strategies under different environmental conditions and genetic interactions using sensors, automation systems, unmanned aerial systems ( UAS ), bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and management of agricultural big data. The research focus will include: 1) develop decision support systems to estimate the best soil health and nutrient management strategies in Northern Plains crops using historical, real-time, and near real-time data; 2) develop tools and systems to identify, map, and site-specifically manage weeds, specifically resistant weeds, using technologies such as UAS , bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and chemical/sprayer technologies. Application of data science, cloud computing, machine learning, 3-D analysis and artificial intelligence to agriculture is key to producing actionable intelligence. This position is important to the precise delivery of crop inputs; research is needed on monitoring and variable rate application technologies for managing soil and crop health.
Position expectations include: 1) develop a grant-supported research program in precision agriculture; 2) address the crop production research needs of the North Dakota and the region; 3) establish collaborative partnerships with researchers in other NDSU units, commercial industries, and other institutions; 4) present and publish research findings; and 5) serve the agricultural profession and stakeholders in general.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in precision agriculture, agricultural systems management, or agricultural engineering, or in a related scientific or engineering field (degree must be completed before accepting the offer)
• Interest and ability to develop an externally-funded research program in the broad areas of precision agriculture, with an emphasis in one or more areas such as UAS , or management of big digital data in agriculture
• Interest in and ability to mentor graduate students
• Experience to work independently and as a multidisciplinary team member within the institution and with stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in the communication of science and technology among professionals and to the public

Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated record of scholarship, including experience in conducting field and laboratory research, and publishing research findings through different outlets
• Operational knowledge and understanding of advanced farming systems, including precision agriculture technology, UAS , and big data analytics
• Understanding of Midwestern United States agriculture
• Understanding of agronomy, soil science and crop protection in production agriculture
• Experience in preparing successful competitive research proposals

Physical Demands:
Ability to lift 50 pounds

Open Until Filled: Yes
Search Type: Internal/External Simultaneously: Open to all applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For further inquiries about this position, please e-mail Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Search Committee Chair at s.rahman@ndsu.edu. Include a phrase such as "Inquiry into NDSU Research Assistant Professor position" in the subject line.
Screening will begin 11/30/18

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:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of 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.
Location (City, State): Fargo, North Dakota

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you hear about this position?
   • Academic Department
   • Bismarck Tribune
   • CareerFargo.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Fargo Forum
   • JobsHQ
   • Friend/Co-worker/Family member
   • Higheredjobs.com
   • Indeed.com
   • Job Service of North Dakota
   • NDSU Employee
   • NDSU Website
   • Other newspaper (Please specify below)
   • Professional Publication/Organization Website
   • University Placement Office
   • Inside Higher Education
   • Other (Please specify below)
2. If Other, please specify:
   (Open Ended Question)
   
3. Are you a North Dakota resident?
   • Yes
   • No
4. Do you qualify for North Dakota veteran's preference?
   • Yes
   • No
5. If yes, list exact dates of service:
   (Open Ended Question)
   
6. Do you qualify for North Dakota disabled veteran's preference?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Unofficial Transcript 1
4. Research Plan

Optional Documents

1. Veterans Preference Claim Form (DD214)
2. Veterans Administration Letter
3. Unofficial Transcript 2
4. Unofficial Transcript 3
5. Other Document 1
6. Other Document 2