Asst​/Associate Professor Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Overview

TITLE: Assistant/Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources
DEPARTMENT: Colleges of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources
REPORTS TO: Dean or Department Chair
CLASSIFICATION: Faculty
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

The Assistant/Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture, Agriscience, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources will lead efforts to integrate AI-driven approaches into teaching, research, and community engagement activities. The successful candidate will develop innovative methods for applying AI to address challenges in sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, environmental management, and natural resource conservation. This position directly supports Kentucky State University’s mission to serve the Commonwealth and broader community through innovative research, experiential learning, and public service.

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in AI applications within agriculture, agriscience, aquaculture, and natural resources.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to AI and its applications in agricultural and environmental sciences, utilizing project-based and active learning pedagogy.
• Supervise student research projects, serve on graduate committees, and mentor students in scholarly activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders to develop AI solutions for agricultural and environmental challenges.
• Build institutional capacity in the application of AI and emerging technologies across the College of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources to enhance research, instruction, and outreach.
• Seek and secure external funding to support research programs, equipment acquisition, and student development.
• Publish scholarly research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at professional conferences.
• Lead or participate in outreach and extension initiatives that integrate AI into community programs, promoting innovation, productivity, and sustainability.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees and comply with institutional policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of teaching assignments, grades, and research or grant documentation in accordance with university policy.

• Strong background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics as applied to agricultural and environmental systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C++, and machine learning frameworks/libraries such as Pandas, Num Py, Tensor Flow, or PyTorch.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems, aquaculture practices, and natural resource management.
• Understanding of data ethics, responsible AI practices, and applications of AI in sustainability and public health.
• Excellent teaching, mentoring, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues, students, and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in securing and managing research funding.

May provide functional supervision to graduate assistants, research interns, or student workers as assigned.

Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the university’s mission, programs, and research initiatives.

• Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated record of research in AI applications to agriculture, natural resources, public health, health sciences, or aquaculture.
• Evidence of teaching excellence and curriculum development at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Experience with grant writing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied research preferred.

The minimum qualifications for appointment to the faculty in the rank of assistant professor, in academic areas where the doctorate is the terminal degree, include the following:
Possession of the master’s degree in the teaching discipline or a…