Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Crop Science with University of Wyoming in Laramie, Sheridan, Powell, or Lingle, Wyoming

Agriculture is currently undergoing a digital revolution. Autonomous robotics, aerial scouting with satellites and UAVs, and ever-increasing applications of precision agriculture are becoming commonplace on farms across the country. Vast amounts of data are being collected and analyzed to improve crop production efficiency and to lower the environmental footprint of agriculture. The successful candidate for this position will understand the current landscape of how technology impacts the plant protection and crop science industries and will provide extension support and teach in at least one of the following areas of current and future ag technology development:

• Aerial scouting methods, image processing and interpretation
• Data science and management – programming and dealing with large agronomic data sets, which are often variable and spatial in nature
• Precision agriculture – incorporating spatial and climate variability into planning and real-time decision making for sustainable production

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an extension and research program in an area of agronomy or crop science which incorporates modern and novel technologies. This faculty member will help extend UW’s focus on data science and computing to relevant stakeholders and may interact closely with faculty in the School of Computing, WyGISC (Wyoming Geographical Information Sciences), and others, in addition to collaborations with Plant Sciences faculty and collaborators at community colleges. Coursework (1 to 2 courses per year, in consultation with the Department Head) will be offered online or through hybrid online/on-site labs in collaboration with colleagues at the UW R&E Centers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a robust Extension program which assesses the needs of Wyoming crop producers and delivers programming, with measureable outcomes, to meet those needs.
• Secure extramural funding to support an innovative and sustainable extension and research program in agronomy or crop science.
• Identify and develop new technologies that can be adopted by producers and land managers in Wyoming and the surrounding region.
• Teach 1 to 2 courses per year in an area related to agricultural technology.
• Publish in appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
• Have a strong commitment to the mission of a land-grant institution, including stakeholder engagement and undergraduate student education.

• Earned PhD in agronomy, crop science, or closely related field at the time of appointment. Consideration will be given to applicants that are currently pursuing their doctoral degree and will complete the degree prior to starting work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in novel agricultural technologies and expertise in at least one area of agricultural technology.
• Effective communication skills, with an emphasis on presenting and disseminating research information to diverse audiences.
• Evidence of ability to conduct independent and collaborative research.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, experiment stations, and in surrounding communities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Extension presentations/programming, and aptitude for working with crop producers and supportive industry partners.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly accomplishments related to technology application commensurate with experience.
• Evidence of ability to teach coursework related to agricultural technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding from competitive and other sources to support novel research and extension programming.
• Experience using novel technologies in agronomy or crop science research.
• Experience teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Evidence of an understanding of, and commitment to, the land grant mission.
• Experience leading and working with diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
• Valid US or international driver’s license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.

Cover letter that explains:
* Your interest in the position
* How your education and training have prepared you to successfully address the duties and responsibilities of this position
* Your vision for the position
* Your previous relevant experiences
* Your work with diverse audiences
* Current CV or resume
* Names and contact information of four professional references (include name, title, address, phone, and email)
* Copies of all transcripts (originals will be requested later if chosen for an on-campus interview)