Job Description

Job Description
The Department of Agricultural Science and Engineering at Tennessee State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in autonomous, robotic, and cyber-physical systems for precision agriculture. This position is part of a coordinated cluster hire designed to build national leadership in intelligent and automated agricultural systems.
The successful candidate will focus on the design, deployment, and evaluation of autonomous and robotic technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and labor resilience in agronomic and horticultural production systems.

Key Responsibilities

Research (Primary Emphasis)
Establish a nationally competitive research program in autonomous and robotic agricultural systems, including:
Field robotics and autonomous ground or aerial platforms
Sensor-integrated cyber-physical systems
Automation for crop monitoring, input application, and field operations
Human-technology interaction and system reliability in agricultural environments
Secure external funding from federal, state and industry sources aligned with automation, robotics, and climate-smart agriculture.
Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and professional outlets.
Work with Extension personnel and producers to test, adapt, and deploy autonomous technologies in real-world production settings.
Support technology transfer and workforce training related to agricultural automation and robotics.
Engage producers in technology evaluation and adoption.

Teaching & Workforce Development
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in precision agriculture, automation, robotics, sensing systems, or related engineering applications and related areas as assigned by the chair.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and supervise M.S. and Ph.D. research.
Contribute to interdisciplinary curricula that prepare students for careers in advanced agricultural systems.

Collaboration & Service
Collaborate closely with other Precision Agriculture faculty to integrate artificial intelligence and automation.
Engage with faculty across plant science, engineering, soil science, crop improvement.
Participate in departmental, college, university, and professional service.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Earned Ph.D. by the time of appointment in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated research experience in automation, robotics, or sensing systems applied to agriculture.
Evidence of scholarly productivity and potential for securing competitive external funding.
Strong communication skills and ability to work across disciplines and stakeholder groups.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with autonomous platforms (UGVs, UAVs, or multi-robot systems).
Integration of sensing, control, and data systems in field environments.
Industry or applied research experience in agricultural automation.
Experience in land-grant research, extension, or translational technology programs.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.
Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.
An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.
You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.