Research Assistant Professor - Agricultural Data Scientist

Working Title:

Research Assistant Professor - Agricultural Data Scientist

Department:

Biological Systems Engineering-0833

Requisition Number:

F_240042

Posting Open Date:

03/14/2024

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date):

04/15/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for an Agricultural Data Scientist at the rank of Research Assistant Professor. This 12-month (calendar year) non-tenure track appointment will collaborate with our existing interdisciplinary team in further development of data collection and analytical tools for integrating advanced research tools into typical crop production data systems. The apportionment is 100% research. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska, though some in-state travel is expected.
The Agricultural Data Scientist will contribute to the integrated research land-grant mission of the home unit and IANR, as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy.
Position Duties

1. Collaborate with an existing interdisciplinary team consisting of agricultural engineers, agronomists, economists, statisticians, and computer scientists to further the development of data collection and analytical tools for integrating advanced research tools into typical crop production data systems and providing novel solutions to Agricultural Data management issues.
2. Develop hardware (e.g., IoT and embedded) systems and software platforms for collecting, post-processing, managing, and analyzing data layers of varying spatial resolutions and temporal frequencies to extract crop performance information.
3. Develop software platforms for analyzing various datasets generated from agricultural field equipment combined with data streaming from research systems (e.g., satellite, aerial, or UAV images).
4. Develop analytical software tools capable of generating graphs, charts, reports and/or other actionable items for future use by agricultural professionals throughout the crop production cycle.

The incumbent is expected to secure extramural funding from federal and state agencies, industry, and private foundations as well as publish in peer reviewed journals and at national and international meetings. The incumbent may be required to provide supervision to undergraduate and graduate students and serve on graduate committees. In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination. Minimum Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Food Engineering, Computational Sciences, Arts and Sciences, or a closely related field,
• Demonstrated research experience in experimental data collection, post-processing, and statistical analysis resulting in peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience using database, networking, GIS, and/or analytical software such as SQL, MATLAB, Python, ArcGIS, or other similar software.
• Programming experience with C, VB, R, or related languages and working knowledge of database creation and statistical analysis methods.
• Demonstrated experience with advanced sensing systems (e.g., optical, magnetic, etc.) data collection.
• Demonstrated experience in programming advanced analysis tools that could be deployed remotely by others to analyze datasets.
• Working knowledge or understanding of agricultural crop production systems and data sets related to precision agriculture.

Work Location (City, State):

Lincoln, NE

How to Apply:

Click “Apply for this Job” and then “Faculty Application.” Complete the application and attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, your anticipated contributions to research, and your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2-page maximum). See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement).
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Jodi Mackin
jmackin1@unl.edu

Job Category (old):

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Type:

12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?:

Yes

Organizational Location:

Default Location