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Position: Tenure Track Assistant Professor or Tenured Associate Professor, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science (BESS). This is a full-time, 12-month, 100% Extension appointment.

Overview: The University of Tennessee Extension is a strong educational and research partner in the effort to improve row crop production systems. The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized Extension and applied research Precision Agriculture Technology Program. Specific areas of emphasis could include but are not limited to Precision Agriculture Machinery, Sensing and Control Systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Autonomous Agriculture Systems.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, deliver and evaluate an Extension Program in the area of Precision Agriculture Technology that focuses on row crop production systems. This Program will employ innovative teaching strategies and methodologies adapted to diverse audiences including agricultural producers, Extension Agents and Specialist, professional consultants, as well as state, regional, national, and international leaders.
• Acquire extramural funding to develop & deliver a Precision Agriculture Technology Extension Program.
• Acquire extramural funding to support a Precision Agriculture Technology applied research Program that includes the training of BESS graduate students and peer-reviewed publication of research results.
• Publish peer reviewed Extension and journal articles as well as BESS Extension fact sheets.
• Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with BESS Research and Extension faculty and professional partners to translate and teach advancements in Precision Agriculture Technologies.
• Collaboratively develop and field test or demonstrate Precision Agriculture technologies. Focus areas could include but are not limited to crop sensing systems, “smart” sprayers/applicators for nutrients, herbicides, and pesticides, and field mapping and yield monitoring systems developed to improve the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of row crop production systems.
• Collaboratively develop and evaluate “smart” machinery systems such as planters, nutrient applicators, herbicide/pesticide sprayers, harvesters, and other advanced row crop management equipment.
• Develop collaborative and advisory relationships with agricultural producers, BESS Research and Extension faculty, Extension Agents, and equipment manufacturers to improve the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of row crop production systems using Precision Agriculture Technologies.
• Provide leadership to state-level 4-H youth programs, including the 4-H Electric Camp.
• Participate in the service activities of the Department, Institute, University and profession.

Qualifications:  Ph.D. in Biosystems, Biological, or Agricultural Engineering preferred; Ph.D. in other disciplines will be considered only if the applicant has a BS or MS degree in Engineering. Required terminal degree research focus on Precision Agriculture Technologies and/or demonstrated development of an extramurally-funded Extension/Research Program in Precision Agriculture Technologies. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical and communication skills, a willingness to work in multidisciplinary teams and an understanding Precision Agriculture Technologies applied to row crop production systems. Professional Engineer license/license eligibility is desired.

Application: Screening of applicants will begin October 4, 2022 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply, use this free Interfolio website to upload a curriculum vita, a 1-page letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, official transcripts, and three letters of reference. Address questions directly to Dr. Shawn Hawkins, Search Committee Chair, at shawkins@utk.edu.

About University of Tennessee, Department of Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science

The University of Tennessee Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science brings broad engineering and scientific expertise to issues of sustainable development and resource stewardship. Specific topics include productive and sustainable agriculture, soil and water resource management, impacts of climate change, machines and systems for optimized performance, construction science, and fuels and value-added products from renewable resources. We produce well-prepared and motivated graduates (BS through PhD), discover new knowledge through research, and share that knowledge by engaging with scientific communities, industries, agencies, and individuals throughout Tennessee and the world.

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