Assistant Professor
Job Description
Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is seeking applicants for two tenure track positions in Connected Technologies in Agricultural Applications as part of its SmartFarm Innovation Network faculty cluster hire. The cluster hire of 13 new faculty positions will be filled over multiple years within several academic units and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers. Collaborations of cluster hires and existing faculty will enhance interdisciplinary flagship programs at the nexus of digital, biological, social, and physical sciences and engineering with application to agriculture, food, and natural resources. This ambitious vision will create a statewide network of interconnected faculty, partners, and resources for scientific discovery and developing and deploying new technologies. The goal is to increase overall efficiency, resiliency, sustainability, and economic value of food, agriculture production systems, and natural resources and expand Virginia Tech’s global leadership in this rapidly evolving domain.
The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) at Virginia Tech seeks to fill two academic year (9-month) tenure-track faculty positions in Connected Technologies in Agricultural Applications at the Assistant Professor rank with responsibilities in research and teaching. The incumbents will conduct research on the application of autonomous, semi -autonomous, robotic, remote sensing, and smart systems in, but not limited to, agronomic crops, specialty crops, or agricultural soil and water systems. Research may include but is not limited to soil water management, nutrient management, weed management, pathogen detection & management, planting and harvesting. The incumbents are expected to work collaboratively across academic units at Virginia Tech and with national or international collaborations. The individuals will cooperatively develop and teach new classes related to connected technologies in agriculture. A Ph.D. in plant science, soil science, engineering, or a closely related discipline is required. Demonstrated experience in the use of connected technologies is required. A commitment to mentoring students, diversity and inclusion is required. To obtain more information and to apply for this position go to [Job #512093 at https://www.jobs.vt.edu]. Review of applications will begin on January 6, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.
Responsibilities: The incumbents will develop an internationally recognized program in the use of connected technologies in agricultural systems. The incumbents are expected to obtain extramural funding and publish research in peered-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline. The incumbents are expected to work cooperatively with other SPES faculty, faculty in other units and programs at Virginia Tech and other universities. The incumbent will be expected to recruit and mentor graduate students and teach classes related to connected technologies in agriculture.
Candidates must submit on-line (https://www.jobs.vt.edu) a cover letter, curricula vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and the contact information for three professional references.
Required Qualifications
A Ph.D. in plant science, soil science, engineering, or a closely related discipline is required. Experience in the use of connected technologies such as but not limited to autonomous, semi-autonomous, and smart systems, data analytics, or advanced sensing technologies in agriculture is required. A commitment to mentoring students, diversity and inclusion is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Specific experience with connected technologies in agronomic crops, specialty crops, or soil systems is desirable. A record of publication in the area of connected technologies and grantsmanship are desirable. Teaching experience is desirable.
Salary Information
Commensurate with Experience
Review Date
January 6, 2020
Additional Information
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.