The Department of Crop and Soil Science invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 9-month, Tenure Track Assistant Professor position with 45% research, 25% scholarship, 20% teaching, 5% service and 5% supervision responsibilities
The primary purpose of this position is to develop and lead an applied research and teaching program in Precision Agriculture. Precision agriculture is a management strategy where key limitations to profitability and environmental sustainability can be identified, characterized, and managed at spatial and/or temporal resolutions. Precision agriculture approaches may employ technologies including aerial, ground-based or in-situ sensor platforms, analytical tools for visualization and field-level decision-making, and application technologies to deliver inputs that match crop needs. Most work in this field has focused on major crops, but in Oregon, crop production is diverse and specialized. As a result, substantial work is needed to develop, adapt, and increase adoption and viability of precision agriculture technologies for specialty crops of economic importance in Oregon, primarily grass seed and other seed crops. The successful candidate will focus on development and application of technologies, analytics and tools for precision agriculture systems in seed crops, and work to remove impediments to adoption of these tools in collaboration with producers in Oregon.
This position is an integral component of a departmental faculty cohort that will focus on site-specific management of crops, pests, and soil. The incumbent will work independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team to: i) conduct applied, field-based research which could include site-specific management of crop inputs, remote, proximal, or in-situ sensing technology, relevant data analytics, GIS applications and geospatial statistics in Oregon seed crops, and ii) develop and improve adoption of on-farm technology and promote long-term sustainable farming practices. The successful candidate is also expected to have a commitment to and an understanding of the importance of enhancing diversity in the development and delivery of their program efforts.
Position Duties
45% Research
1. Research will focus on site-specific, sustainable practices for the management of grass seed and other seed crops (legume, cereal, and/or oil) and will employ precision agriculture systems in implementation of real-time decision-making for digital agronomy of seed crops.
2. Develop and obtain extramural funding for the support of research activity through grants, gifts, and contracts.
3. Serve as an investigator on a USDA-NIFA Hatch collaborative or Hatch multistate project.
25% Scholarship
Scholarship is creative, intellectual work that is both validated by peers and communicated. Emphasis in scholarship should be placed on outcomes that recognize activities as defined by the incumbent’s position description.
1. Validation of scholarship through procurement of competitive grants.
2. Work with collaborators and graduate students to publish thesis and other scholarly works.
3. To achieve promotion, scholarship for this position must include peer-reviewed materials that are durable and findable in the web environment. Documentation must be provided that shows these scholarly outputs have had an impact.
4. Maintain a solid record of peer reviewed research publications.
5. Communication of scholarship through presentations to state, regional, national and international professional groups, Extension faculty, stakeholders, media, and other outlets as appropriate.
20% Teaching
Specific teaching duties may include, but are not limited to on-campus and Ecampus versions of the following:
1. CROP/HORT 414/514 Precision Agriculture each academic year
2. A second course of the incumbent’s choice to be decided based on departmental needs and the incumbent’s expertise. These duties include maintenance, facilitation, and delivery of courses and student performance assessment through evaluation and grade assignment. The incumbent will review and update current curriculum as needed.
5% Service
The incumbent will provide service to the department, college, university through committee service and appropriate leadership as requested by the department, college, and university. They will also maintain active membership and involvement in professional organizations.
5% Supervision
Supervise various research workers including postdocs, visiting scientists, faculty research assistants, graduate students, temporary workers, and/or student workers as funding allows.
Minimum/Required Qualifications
- PhD in precision agriculture, agricultural/biological engineering, crop science, soil science, agronomy, horticulture, or closely related discipline.
- Research experience in precision agriculture, agronomy, crop physiology, or related areas.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; work independently and cooperatively within a team; and work and communicate with colleagues.
- Evidence of teaching experience at the college or university level or demonstrated ability to effectively teach at these levels.
- Strong scientific writing and technical presentation skills. Demonstrated record of publishing peer-reviewed documents commensurate with career level.
- Experience in securing extramural funding.
- Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
