The Departments of Biosystems Engineering and Horticulture in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University are seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Smart Horticultural Systems Engineering.
The Departments of Biosystems Engineering and Horticulture in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University are
seeking applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Smart Horticultural Systems Engineering. This faculty
position will be a nine-month, tenure-track position with a 75% research and 25% teaching appointment with
tenure home in the Department of Biosystems Engineering. The projected start date is August 16, 2022.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a nationally-recognized research
program that is focused on development, evaluation, and adoption of smart systems, precision agricultural
technologies, and innovative sensing and automation methods for horticultural systems, with the goals of reducing
labor costs, improving inventory management, reducing non-target pesticides, and improving production
efficiencies. Possible applications of these smart systems include areas such as ornamental cropping systems, fruit
and vegetable production systems, landscapes, and greenhouse production systems. The successful candidate will
be expected to secure extramural funding to support his/her research program and summer salary from external
sources such as USDA and other related federal sponsors, and from relevant industries in Alabama and across the
country. The successful candidate will also be expected to collaborate effectively with biosystems engineering and
horticulture faculty, and extensively with colleagues within the College of Agriculture who conduct research and
extension work in horticultural systems. Instructional responsibilities will include teaching existing undergraduate
and graduate level precision and smart agriculture courses as well as developing new courses covering topics
including agri-industrial electrical applications, agri-industrial electronics and controls, agricultural data acquisition,
data management, data analytics, and automation courses. In addition, the successful candidate will mentor
biosystems engineering and/or biological and agricultural technology management students and actively
participate in graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and
dissertation research to completion, producing scholarship through recognized peer-reviewed outlets, and
providing leadership to the profession through state and national professional society participation. In addition,
departmental, college, and university committee service will be expected.
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in biosystems,
biological, agricultural, or closely related engineering disciplines by the expected position start date. Documented
evidence of individual and/or collaborative research and teaching in precision ag technologies, and related topics
resulting in peer-reviewed publications is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to work
cooperatively with colleagues across disciplines and develop a collaborative research program. The successful
candidate must possess excellent written and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse audiences. The
successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment
is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Desirable qualifications include:
research and teaching experiences in application of precision ag to horticultural systems, data management,
automation of agricultural operations, and data-driven decision analysis for complex agricultural systems;
postdoctoral and/or industry experience; and professional engineering registration or the ability to pursue
licensure as a Professional Engineer.
Application: Applicants must apply for the position by visiting the link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/24992 and attach the following: 1) cover letter that addresses the
experience pertinent to the responsibilities of the position, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) copies of ALL academic
transcripts, 4) statement of research interests and accomplishments, 5) statement of teaching philosophy and 6)
Diversity statement. When prompted during the on-line process, please provide names, phone numbers and email
addresses of three professional references. Only complete application materials will be considered. To ensure
consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by end of business on November 15, 2021. The
search may continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Search
Committee co-Chairs: Dr. Yin Bao (yzb0016@auburn.edu ) or to Dr. Daniel Wells (wellsda@auburn.edu).
The University: Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier land, sea and space grant institutions with an
enrollment of more than 25,400 graduate and undergraduate students. The University is located in the city of
Auburn in east-central Alabama approximately 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, GA and southeast of Birmingham,
AL and is about 60 miles northeast of the state capital (Montgomery). Auburn University is ranked in the top 50
public universities for its undergraduate programs and its College of Engineering is ranked 38th among public
institutions offering doctoral programs. 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 AuburnOpelika-Columbus area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public school system and regional medical
centers.
The Department: The Department of Biosystems Engineering consists of 17 full-time faculty who solve problems in
biological systems through innovative engineering research, teaching and extension activities.The Department
offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Biosystems Engineering with 205 undergraduate students and 30 graduate
students. Recent construction projects have resulted in over 50,000 square feet of new laboratory, classroom and
office spaces in the department. More information about the department and Auburn University can be found at
www.eng.auburn.edu/bsen and at www.auburn.edu respectively.
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer
