Agricultural Facility Systems Engineer, Tenure-Track

Job Description

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks candidates for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position to specialize in the design and management of agricultural system facilities and controlled environments. The successful candidate will use their expertise to develop a research and extension program in either livestock housing or controlled environment plant production systems. For those with a livestock focus, we are particularly interested in candidates that have experience with dairy production systems. Regardless of the focus area (animal or plant systems), the candidate’s program will focus on applying engineering techniques that optimize economic viability, efficiency, water and energy use, environmental sustainability, animal well-being, and human health of production facilities. Potential areas of research and extension work could include addressing opportunities related to climate resilience, integration and development of emerging technologies for controlled facilities, commercial adoption of new farm products (animal or plant based), and other areas where innovation is required to solve critical problems as identified through stakeholder engagement.

Successful candidates must have a background in agricultural facility design and must show the capacity to work across disciplines in their research and extension programs. The candidate must also demonstrate a potential to develop and maintain an active extension and research program through competitive external funding. The candidate must be able to contribute to courses in biological systems engineering and have an enthusiasm for mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide a level of extension program leadership that will effectively serve the needs of Wisconsin agriculture and to facilitate collaboration with regional and national educational programs that focus on animal and/or plant facility design and environmental control.

Required application materials include a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) statement of interest that describes extension and research goals and the candidate’s experience, current interests or activities, and/or future goals related to achieving an academic environment that promotes equity and diversity, and (4) transcripts. Please visit this website to submit application.

Inquiries related to this position may be directed to Dr. Rebecca Larson, rebecca.larson@wisc.edu, Search Committee Chair or Dr. Chris Choi, cchoi22@wisc.edu, Search Committee Member.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in agricultural engineering, biological systems engineering, or closely related field

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of current challenges involving agricultural systems as related to research field

Demonstration of an ability to conduct research and publish in peer reviewed journals

Demonstration of an ability to secure extramural funding

Ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders

Appointment Type

9-Month Tenure Track

Salary Information

University of Wisconsin-Madison provides equal opportunities for admission and employment.

Commensurate with Qualifications

Application Deadline

December 15, 2021

Position Start Date

August 22, 2022

Additional Information

The names of three references and their contact information will be requested of selected applicants prior to final interviews. Unless confidentiality is requested, in writing, any information regarding an applicant will be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality.

About the University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of academic excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching environment in which all students, faculty, and staff can thrive. The Department of Biological Systems Engineering is committed to advancing diversity in all areas, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement.

https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu/en-us/job/510896/assistant-professor-extension-specialist-ag-facility-systems-engineer