Assistant Professor: Extension Specialist Precision Agriculture Systems

Posting Number: F2032P

Working Title: Assistant Professor:
Extension Specialist Precision Agriculture Systems

Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

University: University of Georgia

Location: Tifton, GA (UGA Tifton Campus)

Posting Date: 07/22/2024

Expiration: Open until filled

The University of Georgia (UGA) is the state's oldest and most comprehensive higher‑education institution, founded in 1785. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in the U.S. and operates a main campus in Athens with multiple satellite locations, including the Tifton Campus.

The Tifton Campus is situated in south‐central Georgia, serving a diverse agricultural community and featuring research facilities for precision agriculture, soil science, and plant protection. UGA researchers at this campus collaborate with USDA‐ARS scientists and are engaged in interdisciplinary work across the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture.

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at UGA seeks a full‑time, tenure‑track faculty member (9‑month appointment with associated summer salary) who will develop a 75% Extension, 20% Research, and 5% Service portfolio focused on Precision Agriculture. The successful candidate will join the Tifton Campus, where the program will advance local, regional, national, and international precision‑ag technologies. The appointment is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2025.

• Ph.D. in mechanical/biological/agricultural/biosystems engineering, agronomy, crop and soil sciences, or a related field is required.
• Documented expertise in precision agriculture technologies.

• Strong background in precision‐ag topics such as advanced machinery systems, precision irrigation, remote sensing, UAVs, autonomous agriculture, and nutrient management.
• Demonstrated record of scholarship and ability to secure extramural funding.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a focus on Extension outreach.
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.

• Develop and lead externally funded Extension and research programs in precision agriculture.
• Implement and evaluate technologies such as yield monitors, field mapping, remote sensing, digital agriculture platforms, precision irrigation, variable‑rate application systems, drones for herbicide and seeding, and advanced machinery.
• Design field experiments related to precision technologies.
• Collaborate with UGA’s Precision Agriculture Team and other faculty across CAES, Engineering, and the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture to deliver integrated solutions.
• Produce Extension materials and scholarly publications for local, regional, national, and international audiences.
• Mentor graduate students and engage with Georgia county agents.

Percentage of Time: 100%

The Final date to receive applications for full consideration is August 30, 2024. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is identified. Candidates may submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of Extension and Research philosophy, and any additional supporting documents.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations to access the materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR.