Ornamental Crop Innovation Technologist
The Department of Horticulture at Auburn University is seeking applications for the position of
Assistant Professor – Ornamental Crop Innovation Technologist. This position will be a ninemonth,
tenure-track faculty position with a 75% research and 25% teaching appointment. The
projected start date is August 16, 2021.
Responsibilities: Research priorities for this position will focus on adapting and/or developing
technologies to reduce labor costs and improve production efficiency of the Alabama ornamental
nursery industry. Example technologies include, but are not limited to, Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID), crop sensing, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics,
and cloud computing. Specific applications important to the ornamental nursery industry include
labor management and reduction, inventory management, reduction of non-target pesticide
applications, and automation. The selected individual will be expected to work with industry and
Extension personnel to develop and implement labor-saving, and other programs that seek to
improve production efficiency of the ornamental nursery industry in Alabama. The selected
individual will be expected to publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the
discipline of their research and to compete successfully for external funding to support their
research program. The selected individual will be expected to mentor undergraduates in shortterm
research projects and to train future innovation specialists and scientists by directly advising
M.S. and Ph.D. students. The selected individual will have responsibility in both undergraduate
and graduate instruction. Exact course offerings will be negotiable and based on the selected
individual's expertise. Departmental, college, and university service is expected.
Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Horticulture,
Agricultural or Biosystems Engineering, or a closely related plant science discipline with
experience utilizing advanced technologies to improve agricultural production systems. Ideally,
the selected individual should have strong horticultural and engineering backgrounds, although
expertise from other, closely related fields will be considered as well. Documented evidence of
individual and/or collaborative research and/or teaching resulting in peer-reviewed publications
is required. The selected individual should be able to demonstrate ability to work cooperatively
with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research program. The selected
individual must possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills to effectively
interact with diverse audiences. The selected candidate must meet eligibility requirements to be
gainfully employed in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to
continue working legally for the term of employment.
Desired qualifications: Knowledge and experience in developing and utilizing advanced
technologies in horticultural or other agricultural production systems; Successful competitive
grant-writing experience; Experience developing and/or teaching undergraduate and graduate
courses in horticulture, engineering, or a closely related plant science field; Experience advising
students both at the graduate and undergraduate level.
Applicants must apply for the position by visiting the link:
http://www.auemployment.com/postings/20268 and attach the following: 1) a cover letter that
addresses the experience pertinent to all of the responsibilities of the position, 2) current
Curriculum Vitae, 3) copies of ALL academic transcripts, 4) a two to three page statement of
research interests, accomplishments, and future research ideas, and 5) a one page statement of
teaching philosophy. When prompted during the online process, please provide names, phone
numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete applications will
be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply prior
to or by end of business on February 15, 2021 but the search may continue until the position is
filled. Questions concerning the advertised position should be directed to: Dr. Daniel Wells,
Search Committee Chair, email: wellsda@auburn.edu.
Auburn University is one of the nation's premier public land-grant institutions. In 2019, it was
ranked 52nd among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Auburn maintains high
levels of research activity and high standards for teaching excellence, offering Bachelor's,
Master's, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral degrees in agriculture and engineering, the
professions, and the arts and sciences. Its 2018 enrollment of 30,440 students includes 24,628
undergraduates and 5,812 graduate and professional students. Organized into twelve academic
colleges and schools, Auburn's 1,450 faculty members offer more than 200 educational
programs. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence,
positive work environment, student engagement, and beautiful campus. Auburn University is
understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. For
details, visit the following link: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/.
Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in
America," with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain
recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta,
Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus
statistical area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public school systems and
regional medical centers.
