Research Scientist

Position Overview

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University seeks qualified candidates for a Research Scientist position. The Research Scientist will provide leadership for and conduct engineering and/or scientific experiments, manage data for lab and field experiments, and establish an independent line of research aligned with the department's mission. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, Extension agents, agricultural consultants, and industry partners to advance research in agricultural and biological engineering.

Responsibilities

The Research Scientist will be responsible for the following areas, with effort distribution commensurate with the specific appointment:

Research and Experimentation (60%)

• Design and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments relevant to the assigned research program
• Manage, organize, and analyze data generated from experiments
• Develop and evaluate AI-driven models for real-time decision support, predictive analytics, and automated system control in agricultural contexts
• Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, including supervised learning, deep learning, and computer vision, to analyze agricultural and engineering datasets
• Design and implement wired and wireless networking architectures for sensor networks, data telemetry, and connected machinery platforms (e.g., CAN bus, ISOBUS, LoRa, Wi-Fi, cellular)
• Design and develop agricultural machinery components, implements, and systems using CAD and engineering design principles
• Conduct mechanical testing and validation of prototype systems and machine components under laboratory and field conditions
• Design, analyze, and test hydraulic systems including circuits, actuators, valves, and power transmission components used in agricultural equipment
• Integrate and validate sensor systems including but not limited to load cells, pressure transducers, position sensors, IMUs, LiDAR, and optical sensors onto machinery platforms
• Ensure interoperability and reliable data communication across distributed sensor and computing systems in field environments
• Perform literature reviews and stay current with developments in the field
• Prepare manuscripts and publish peer-reviewed journal articles
• Present research findings at local, regional, national, and international conferences

Grant Development and Project Management (25%)

• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) and develop, submit, and manage grant proposals to support the research program
• Track and ensure timely completion of project deliverables, progress reports, and final reports
• Manage project activities, budgets, and personnel

Mentoring and Collaboration (15%)

• Mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and Post-Doctoral Scientists
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners across interdisciplinary research teams
• Assist with training on experimental procedures, data analysis tools, and publication processes
• Build and maintain collaborative networks with industry partners, federal agencies, and peer institutions to advance AI and connected systems research in agriculture
• Participate in professional societies and working groups related to agricultural AI, precision agriculture, and engineering systems

Extension and Outreach (as applicable)

• Coordinate or contribute to Extension and outreach activities including field days, workshops, and training programs
• Prepare Extension factsheets, bulletins, and other public-facing media content

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated research experience in an area relevant to FABE's research mission
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage and organize data for analysis
• Foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data-driven modeling as applied to engineering or agricultural systems
• Understanding of networked systems and data communication protocols relevant to instrumented machinery or sensor platforms

Desired Qualifications

• Experience coordinating research projects and managing interdisciplinary teams
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, and MATLAB for data processing and analysis
• Familiarity with embedded systems, microcontrollers, and DAQ hardware (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino, National Instruments, DeweSoft, CANbus data loggers) for real-time sensor data collection
• Experience developing or deploying machine learning models, neural networks, or computer vision pipelines using frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn
• Experience designing or implementing agricultural sensor networks, including wireless communication protocols (LoRa, 4G LTE and 45G, Wi-Fi) and data telemetry systems
• Hands-on experience integrating sensors into mobile or stationary machinery platforms, including wiring, mounting, and data acquisition
• Familiarity with ISOBUS/ISO 11783, CAN bus, or other machinery networking standards used in precision agriculture equipment
• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent) for mechanical design and documentation
• Demonstrated experience designing and testing hydraulic systems for agricultural and off-road machinery
• Experience with geospatial techniques using ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar software
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience writing competitive grant proposals
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students and early-career researchers

Principal Investigator Status

Research Scientists in FABE are expected to pursue and maintain PI status through the CFAES Office for Research and Graduate Education. PI status grants the authority and responsibility to direct research projects, manage research funds, and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies. Requests for PI status must be submitted by the department chair and reviewed by the CFAES Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education prior to serving as PI on any proposal or grant.

About FABE at Ohio State

The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering is a nationally recognized leader in agricultural systems engineering, food and bioprocess engineering, biological systems engineering, and environmental and water resources engineering. FABE faculty and researchers collaborate across CFAES, the College of Engineering, and numerous external partners to advance research with real-world impact. The department is based in Columbus, Ohio, with research activities conducted at the main campus and at various agricultural research stations across Ohio.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter describing research interests and fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact information for three professional references