Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department (ABED) is offering an exciting career opportunity for a creative and innovative professional to join us as an Assistant Professor of Precision Agriculture AI Engineering. This is a nine-month, full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-track, faculty position in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. This position is supervised by the Klingbeil Endowed Department Head of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The appointment will be 20% teaching and 80% research as part of the Agricultural Experiment Station responsibilities. The incumbent will develop a Nationally Competitive Research Program in Precision Agriculture AI Engineering. This incumbent will be expected to focus on the next generation of precision agriculture by developing new agricultural technologies based on AI. This incumbent will develop an AI powered electronic consultant to aid decisions at all levels of the farming operation including testing scenarios regarding generational transition and long-term success when considering investment in land, equipment, inputs, and on-going management. This incumbent will have expertise in integrating SD Mesonet data into several precision agricultural technologies including livestock operations. This position will require close working relationships within the Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department, all faculty and staff on campus involved in precision agriculture, SD Mesonet and other departments on the SDSU campus, commodity associations, granting agencies, and other Universities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering or closely related discipline by date of appointment.
Ability to develop a quality research program to focus on the next generation of precision agriculture by developing new agricultural technologies based on AI.
Ability to present and publish research results.
Ability to secure extramural funding.
Must be able to interact and communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with colleagues, staff, students, producer groups, and other clientele.
Skills in teamwork and interpersonal relations.
Must have a valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire and be willing to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of Midwest or Great Plains agricultural production practices.
Ability to monitor network design and big data analysis.
Ability or potential to mentor and support graduate students.
Relevant teaching experience.
Registered or eligible to pursue registration as a Professional Engineer.

BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, research statement (attached as writing sample), teaching philosophy (attached as other), and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is university policy to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.