Assistant Professor: Digital Technology, Machine Learning and AI in Agriculture Communications and Education

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking candidates that will help define what's next for agricultural education and communication. This tenure-track faculty position within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is an opportunity to build and lead a nationally recognized program exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning can transform the way students learn, educators teach, and agricultural communities access knowledge. Through research, Extension, and teaching, this role will shape innovative approaches that strengthen learning experiences and advance agricultural and food systems education for the future.

In this role, you will get to explore emerging technologies in ways that create meaningful, real-world impact. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty across the CALS Applied AI Cluster, develop innovative research and Extension initiatives, and help shape how AI and machine learning are integrated into agricultural education, communication, and outreach. From designing personalized learning experiences to supporting producers, educators, and stakeholders through technology-driven solutions, your work will influence both the future of education and the future of agriculture. You will also have the flexibility to pursue bold ideas, build collaborative partnerships, mentor students, and create programs that extend beyond the classroom into communities across North Carolina and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and lead a forward-thinking research program exploring the use of AI and ML in agricultural and Extension education, including areas such as personalized learning, predictive analytics, adaptive assessments, virtual assistants, and emerging educational technologies.
• Develop innovative approaches that enhance communication and learning outcomes for students, agricultural professionals, producers, and community stakeholders.
• Design and deliver impactful Extension programming that helps agricultural and food systems organizations understand, adopt, and apply AI-driven technologies and tools.
• Create hands-on workshops, trainings, and educational resources focused on topics such as data-informed decision making, AI applications in agriculture, and technology integration strategies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty, research centers, strategic initiatives, and external partners to advance applied AI efforts across agriculture and life sciences.
• Develop technology-enhanced teaching and learning experiences that prepare future educators, Extension professionals, and agricultural leaders to effectively integrate emerging technologies into their work.
• Teach and contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs related to agricultural and Extension education, communication, and technology applications.
• Mentor and advise graduate students while supporting student research, innovation, and professional development.
• Conduct scholarly and translational research that bridges theory, practice, and community impact across teaching, Extension, and applied research initiatives.
• Secure external funding and build partnerships that expand the reach and impact of AI and ML initiatives within agriculture and food systems.
• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service activities that support the broader mission of CALS and the agricultural community.

This 12-month appointment includes responsibilities across Research (50%), Extension (30%), and Teaching (20%).