POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Work Location: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Position Description: The LSU AgCenter invites applications for full-time, 12-month, tenure-track positions in Digital Agriculture at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor ranks. These positions will have a majority research appointment, with a smaller teaching appointment in the LSU College of Agriculture. In addition, a small extension appointment is possible where appropriate. We are seeking energetic, innovative, and collaborative scientists interested in using modeling, sensors, machine learning, and related tools to address critical challenges in crop production, crop breeding, and pest management. Candidates with a range of research interests and disciplinary backgrounds will be considered, but we anticipate hiring at least one scientist in each of three areas:
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High-throughput phenotyping: develop and implement novel phenotyping methodologies for measuring agronomic traits, pest resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance.
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Crop and environmental modeling: use state-of-the-art modeling approaches to simulate crop growth, predict yields, study the impact of climate change and environmental factors on crop production, and optimize crop management practices.
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Precision agriculture: Investigate, implement, and evaluate precision agriculture techniques, including prescription fertilization, site-specific pesticide application, and variable-rate seeding.
The successful candidates will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing crop yields. Successful candidates will be expected to develop internationally recognized and extramurally funded research programs that incorporate training of MS and PhD students. Successful candidates will be expected to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in their areas of expertise. Translation of research results to producers and industry and extension stakeholders will involve traditional and digital communication platforms.
This cluster hiring initiative is a critical component of the LSU AgCenter’s effort to expand its research and instruction capacity in the area of precision and digital agriculture. This research area is one of the primary research focal areas of the LSU AgCenter and constitutes a major component of the LSU AgCenter’s larger strategic goals of research, teaching and extension. The LSU AgCenter is a statewide campus, with 10 academic campus departments, 15 research stations across the state, and 64 parish extension offices. The LSU AgCenter is one of eight campuses within the LSU system.
Qualification Requirements: Applicant must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a discipline related to digital agriculture and a record of scholarly achievement in areas related to the position. Outstanding oral and written communication skills and excellent analytical and computational skills are needed. Candidates should possess a strong publication record in relevant research areas and the ability to secure extramural funds to support their research program.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. LSU has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2024 or upon completion of the selection process
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin April 1, 2024 and continue until the positions are filled.
Application Procedure: Applicants should submit a package including a curriculum vitae, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and names and addresses of three persons who can be contacted for letters of reference. In addition, applicants should provide a letter of application describing abilities, research and teaching interests and experience, and vision for the research and teaching components of the position.
Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching the materials referenced above. Paper, faxed, or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted. Direct questions to:
Dr. Steve Harrison
Chair, Search Committee
School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Email: sharrison@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer
