Assistant/Associate Research Professor and State Extension Specialist, Precision Agriculture

The Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri (MU), a land-grant institution, seeks an Assistant/Associate Research Professor and State Extension Specialist for precision agriculture. This 12-month non-tenure-track faculty position with a 40% Extension and 60% research appointment is located at the University of Missouri's (MU) Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center in Portageville, MO.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will conduct agronomic research with a focus on precision agriculture in southeast Missouri. Southeast Missouri offers researchers a unique opportunity to study diverse cropping systems, and the focus should be on these cropping systems (e.g., rice, cotton, corn, soybean, peanut). The candidate is expected to provide leadership and apply precision agricultural tools (GPS, drones, sensors, automation, robots, etc.) to increase profitability and sustainability in farming operations. The focus is on the development of innovative tools and management practices that reduce water, fertilizer, insecticide, fungicide, and other input costs, increase yields, and improve the efficiency of diverse cropping systems.

A significant component of this role involves Extension leadership in Precision Agriculture. The candidate will be responsible for training MU Extension field specialists about the latest precision agriculture technologies, ensuring they are equipped to support farmers across the state. Additionally, the candidate will develop curricula tailored to farmer audiences, focusing on practical applications of precision agriculture to improve decision-making and farm profitability. Availability to producers to answer questions related to crop production is critical. The candidate will also explore and promote the use of digital tools and mobile applications to drive behavioral change among producers, encouraging the adoption of precision technologies for increased efficiency and sustainability.

The successful candidate must have the ability to secure extramural funding and publish research findings. Research-based information should be disseminated to producers, industry stakeholders, and the scientific community through Extension presentations, field days, digital outreach, and peer-reviewed journal articles.

The Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center (FD-REEC) is part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station and contributes to MU's comprehensive land-grant responsibility. Its goal is to conduct high quality research that will respond to the needs of Missouri citizens, maintain and enhance our natural resource base, support a vital food and fiber system, and help keep Missouri producers competitive and profitable. FD-REEC staff work with campus faculty involved in teaching, research and extension along with state and federal agencies and Missouri agribusinesses to undergird education and a reliable, safe, sustainable supply of food and other agricultural products. In addition, FD-REEC faculty commonly collaborate with other state university faculty and staff and with industry on joint research projects that impact local, state, regional, national and international clientele. The FD-REEC facilities include 1,119 acres at four locations representing the major soil types of the region. The FD-REEC in Portageville consists of 23 offices, seven modern laboratories, eight greenhouses, Foundation Seed cleaning and storage facilities, auditoriums, an exhibit hall, a library and an outstanding professional and support staff. While the position is located at the FD-REEC, the successful candidate will also be an integral faculty member of the Division of Plant Science and Technology (DPST) in Columbia, MO (https://plantsciences.missouri.edu/).

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in agronomy, soil science, agricultural engineering, or a related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience in relevant cropping systems, including knowledge of precision agricultural technologies. Excellent oral skills to communicate with farmers and other commodity stakeholders and the ability to work well in a collaborative team are essential. Other preferred skills include experience in an aspect of precision agriculture (such as digital technology as it relates to modernizing farming practices), the ability to secure funding, a knowledge of operating and maintaining plot and farm-scale equipment, and proven experience in data analysis, and writing (e.g., grant proposals, scientific publications, and extension publications).

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin May 15, 2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Please submit a resume including a letter of application explaining suitability with qualifications sought, a list of recent publications, academic transcripts, and contact information for at least 3 references. Applications should be submitted at the following website: https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings, Job ID 55437.

Contact: Questions pertaining to the job may be directed to Dr. Kevin Bradley, chair of the search committee at 573-882-4039 or bradleyke@missouri.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Human Resource Services at 573-882-7976 or muhrs@missouri.edu.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.