Assistant Professor - Ornamental Crop Innovation Technologist

Posting Details

Job Title

Assistant Professor - Ornamental Crop Innovation Technologist

Posting Number

P0078F

Job Description Summary

The Department of Horticulture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor – Ornamental Crop Innovation Technologist. This position will be a nine-month, tenure-track faculty position with a 75% research and 25% teaching appointment. The projected start date is August 16, 2021.
Responsibilities: Research priorities for this position will focus on adapting and/or developing technologies to reduce labor costs and improve production efficiency of the Alabama ornamental nursery industry. Example technologies include, but are not limited to, Radio Frequency Identification ( RFID ), crop sensing, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and cloud computing. Specific applications important to the ornamental nursery industry include labor management and reduction, inventory management, reduction of non-target pesticide applications, and automation. The selected individual will be expected to work with industry and Extension personnel to develop and implement labor-saving, and other programs that seek to improve production efficiency of the ornamental nursery industry in Alabama. The selected individual will be expected to publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline of their research and to compete successfully for external funding to support their research program. The selected individual will be expected to mentor undergraduates in short-term research projects and to train future innovation specialists and scientists by directly advising M.S. and Ph.D. students. The selected individual will have responsibility in both undergraduate and graduate instruction. Exact course offerings will be negotiable and based on the selected individual’s expertise. Departmental, college, and university service is expected.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Horticulture (at the time employment begins), Agricultural or Biosystems Engineering, or a closely related plant science discipline with experience utilizing advanced technologies to improve agricultural production systems. Ideally, the selected individual should have strong horticultural and engineering backgrounds, although expertise from other, closely related fields will be considered as well. Documented evidence of individual and/or collaborative research and/or teaching resulting in peer-reviewed publications is required. The selected individual should be able to demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research program. The selected individual must possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences. The selected candidate must meet eligibility requirements to be gainfully employed in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the term of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge and experience in developing and utilizing advanced technologies in horticultural or other agricultural production systems; Successful competitive grant-writing experience; Experience developing and/or teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in horticulture, engineering, or a closely related plant science field; Experience advising students both at the graduate and undergraduate level.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must apply for the position by visiting the link:
http://www.auemployment.com/postings/20268 and attach the following: 1) a cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to all of the responsibilities of the position, 2) current Curriculum Vitae, 3) copies of ALL academic transcripts, 4) a two to three page statement of research interests, accomplishments, and future research ideas, and 5) a one page statement of teaching philosophy. When prompted during the online process, please provide names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply prior to or by end of business on February 15, 2021 but the search may continue until the position is filled. Questions concerning the advertised position should be directed to: Dr. Daniel Wells, Search Committee Chair, email: wellsda@auburn.edu.

Open Date

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

References required for this position?

Yes

If yes, minimum number requested

3
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Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Transcripts
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
5. Statement of Research and/or Goals

Optional Documents

1. Other Documentation
2. Other Documentation (2)
3. Other