Postdoctoral Fellow – Digital Agriculture
Job ID : 47912
Location : Columbia
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
 
 
Job Description
 

Conduct research and extension activities in digital agriculture to advance smart farming technologies and improve soil health, crop production, and agricultural sustainability. The position is located in the Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) program of the Division of Plant Science and Technology at University of Missouri (MU), in collaboration with the USDA-ARS Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit in Columbia, MO.

Duties: Responsibilities of the position include development, evaluation, and deployment of sensing, decision-support, and machine control technology to enable digital agriculture systems focused on soil health, crop nitrogen management, and advanced planting technology. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary research team consisting of university research and extension faculty, USDA-ARS scientists and engineers, and graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate is expected to lead the research activities of digital agricultural technology development, field evaluation, data collection and analysis and publication. Some potential activities include but are not limited to:  

• Collect and analyze proximal soil sensor (planter sensor, soil electrical conductivity, soil spectra) and remote crop sensor (UAV and vehicle mounted) data in field-scale experiments with an emphasis on refining spatial decision support for nitrogen management.
• Collect and analyze soil sensor data to estimate soil health in field-scale experiments.
• Document planter-sensor performance in estimating seed-zone soil properties and investigate hardware and calibration changes to improve estimates.

Qualifications
 

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, or other related fields by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience in digital agriculture, precision agriculture or research using digital technologies, such as remote sensing, internet of things, sensors, robotics and artificial intelligence. A strong background in developing sensor systems, analyzing agricultural big data with machine learning and deep learning algorithms. The ability to maintain a good working relationship with other research fellows working in a large research group and lab and research management experience. Excellent communication skills, potential for collaborative research, ability to work independently and cooperatively, experience with advising students, and strong writing skills for grant proposals and journal articles.

Application Materials
 

Apply online, https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings , Job ID 47912.  Be prepared to upload: 1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience, scholarly research interests and professional goals, and qualifications pertinent to the responsibilities of the position; 2) a resume; and 3) the contact information for three references. 

Contact:  Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Jianfeng Zhou at zhoujianf@missouri.edu , 573-882-2495, or Dr. Ken Sudduth at ken.sudduth@usda.gov , 573-882-4090.

Application Deadline
 

The position is expected to start in October 2023. Candidate screening will begin in August 2023, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Benefit Eligibility
 

This position is eligible for University benefits.  The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Values Commitment
 
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Know Your Rights

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• Know Your Rights English Version
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