Assistant/Associate Professor - Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

Position Title:
Assistant/Associate Professor - Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)

Appointment Type:
Faculty

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) at Iowa State University is seeking highly qualified applicants for an Assistant/Associate Professor position in the areas related to the engineering aspects of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) for plant and/or animal (livestock and poultry) production. The faculty member will be expected to actively collaborate across diverse and inclusive interdisciplinary teams. Exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and proven track record will be considered for the rank of associate professor. This is a 9-month position with potential for summer funding. The position is research, teaching, and professional and institutional service.

Priority consideration will be given to exceptional candidates in areas related to the engineering aspects of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) for plant and/or animal production including:

• innovative digital/precision farming technologies (e.g., sensing, modeling, control, etc.),

• climate-smart production systems (i.e., for increased productivity, enhanced resiliency, and reduced emissions), or

• unique/diversified applications of CEA (e.g., urban agriculture/vertical farming, small-holder/specialty farms, growth/metabolic chambers, etc.).

The successful candidate is expected to support the departmental teaching mission, establish an internationally recognized research program, secure competitive grants, recruit and advise graduate students, fulfill committee assignments supporting the mission of the department, college, and university, and provide leadership to professional societies and industry committee/taskforce initiatives.

The individual will support undergraduate and graduate curriculum across the ABE department and provided critical leadership in the delivery and development of our undergraduate programs of study, which includes coursework in CEA applications, such as design of structures (e.g., animal housing or greenhouses), environmental control for plants and animals, and/or digital/precision technologies for modeling, measuring, and managing plant/animal responses.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, or closely related discipline completed by the start of employment.

• Associate Professor candidates must also meet the university standards for appointment to the rank including significant experience/accomplishments in the candidate’s area of expertise, and the potential for international distinction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated track record of published research in the ABE field.

• Demonstrated ability or clearly articulated vision to develop a vibrant and high impact externally funded research program complimentary to the department needs.

• Experience in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in ABE or closely aligned fields.

• Evidence of engagement and leadership in professional organizations.

• Experience in supervising and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in research.

• Potential for professional registration, having industry experience, and/or experience with industry partnerships.

• Demonstrated commitment to and/or record of efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering offers accredited B.S. degree programs in Industrial Technology, Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Engineering, and Biological Systems Engineering, as well as MS and PhD programs in Industrial and Agricultural Technology, and MEng, MS, and PhD programs in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Information about undergraduate programs, including curricula, can be found at https://www.abe.iastate.edu/undergraduate-students/advising-center/ . Research emphasis areas include advanced machinery engineering and manufacturing systems, animal production systems engineering, biological and process engineering and technology, land and water resources engineering, and occupational safety engineering. ABE maintains externally funded research expenditures in excess of $13M per year, from federals, state, not-for-profit, and industry sources. More information about our research themes and labs can be found at https://www.abe.iastate.edu/research/ .

Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2023

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by September 30, 2022. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R9419 .

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following in PDF format:
1) Letter of application (including information about desired rank) that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the required and preferred qualifications; please include, if applicable, a brief statement describing the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on your research, work conditions, and productivity
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, and phone number, and other pertinent information

4) Other documents (submit as on combined PDF):

• Teaching philosophy and interest statement (maximum two pages)
• Research experience and vision statement (maximum two pages)
• Statement of experiences promoting diversity and inclusion, which could include advocacy, support, study, and experience with individuals and issues outside the candidate’s personal background (maximum two pages)

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected].
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Life insurance and long-term disability;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing program.

Original Posting Date:
August 15, 2022

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:
R9419