"Assistant Professor Robotics, Sensors, and Manufacturing in Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Management"

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering seeks candidates for a tenure-track academic position at the assistant professor level with 50% teaching and 50% research responsibilities to develop a collaborative, internationally recognized research program in the areas of sensing and robotics in sustainable agriculture and environmental management. This academic position is under the auspices of the University of Minnesota MnDRIVE initiative for Robotics, Sensing, and Advanced Manufacturing. MnDRIVE (Minnesota’s Discovery, Research, and InnoVation Economy) is a partnership between the University of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota that aligns areas of research strength with the state’s key and emerging industries to address grand challenges of Robotics, Global Food, Environment, Brain Conditions, and Cancer Clinical Trials. The University of Minnesota’s MnDRIVE initiative on Robotics, Sensors, and Manufacturing (mndrive.umn.edu/robotics) envisions the University of Minnesota playing an integral part in helping the state emerge as a robotics and automation leader, and as a contributor to the renaissance of domestic manufacturing by providing critical innovations, education, and training in pertinent disciplines. To further enhance Minnesota’s competitiveness at this critical time, the University of Minnesota is proposing to augment its existing strengths in teaching and research in areas relevant to robotics, sensors, and manufacturing.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a highly collaborative research program focusing on robotic and sensor/sensing systems development with applications in environmental management and sustainable agriculture that align with the University of Minnesota Robotics Institute. Applicants must have an excellent record of accomplishment in an academic or industrial setting, and possess the potential to be an internationally-recognized leader in teaching and research.

Research: The candidate is expected to develop an internationally recognized research program with a focus on sensing and robotics in sustainable agriculture and environmental management. Emphasis areas in research might include: the development of systems for dynamic or spatial measurement of water quality variables in agricultural run-off, streams and lakes, UAVs for inspection of damage after significant flooding events, design and management of water release systems in agricultural ditches and constructed wetlands, monitoring of soil moisture and water table depth, temperature and snow depth and frost depth, direct measurement of evapotranspiration, measurement of plant characteristics including location, species, canopy cover, and height, identification of areas with invasive species and noxious weeds, habitat assessment and distribution of woody debris in stream channels, and measurement of greenhouse gas emissions. The successful candidate will be expected to develop research in areas that support Minnesota agriculture and natural resources. Collaborative research with various colleges, departments, and centers across the University including College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (i.e. Soil, Water, and Climate, Agronomy, Plant Pathology, and Animal Science), College of Biological Sciences (i.e. Ecology), the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), and the University of Minnesota Robotics Institute is highly encouraged.

Teaching: The teaching component of this position will include teaching and developing basic and applied engineering courses, sustainable agriculture and/or resource management within the department (UG and GRAD) and their applications. Example courses include Computer Applications, Air Quality and Pollution Control Engineering, Ecological Engineering Principles, and Parameter Estimation, etc. Teaching may include lecture/lab, e-based learning, or other modes of instruction and interaction with students. Involvement in University Robotics team activities is encouraged. A demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching and advising is essential. This position is also expected to strive for excellence in academic advising for undergraduate and graduate students as a vital component of student development.

Required:
● Ph.D. in an engineering or science discipline, with applications to environmental, agricultural, or biological systems
● Evidence of potential to develop a successful independent research program
● Demonstrated commitment to teaching
● Demonstrated effective written communication skills

Preferred:
● Research or industrial experience in aerial or terrestrial sensing or robotics with an interest in agricultural and/or environmental applications
● Demonstrated relevant publication record or industrial experience
● Experience in effective teaching including active learning and course development
● Evidence of collaborative research
● Strong communication skills
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusivity in an academic or professional setting and commitment to supporting the University's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing diversity, equity, and inclusivity