Assistant Professor - Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Faculty Position Available in
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Cornell University

Position: Assistant Professor, Tenure-track.

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701.

The academic home for this position is the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Position Description and Responsibilities:

The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track position with 50% research and 50% teaching responsibilities on a 9-month academic year basis. The candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized engineering research program focused on identifying and solving the most pressing agricultural problems of the 21st century.

Research:

A suitable research program will need to develop innovative engineering solutions to address agricultural challenges such as a changing global climate, diminishing water resources, and a growing population. The ideal program will incorporate the potential of digital agriculture to ensure positive environmental, social, and economic impacts and is expected to interface with the Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture.

We expect applicants to have strong skills in one or more of the following areas: robotics, remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sensor applications, data science, big data analytics, computer science, control systems, bio-fluid mechanics, plant biomechanics, synthetic biology, and/or plant science.

Areas of research emphasis may include: biologically-inspired engineering, robot-plant interaction, environmental sensing and control, high-density and controlled-environment production in greenhouses, high tunnels, roof or vertical farming operations; hydroponic and aquaponics systems, precision agriculture, and optimized use of land, water, energy and other resources.

Teaching:

Teaching responsibilities will include two engineering courses; one core course, and the second one focusing on smart agriculture for biological engineers at the undergraduate/graduate level. Advising undergraduate students and mentoring postdocs and graduate students is also expected. The new hire will contribute primarily to our biological engineering undergraduate program with the potential to develop graduate courses and interdisciplinary teaching collaborations.

Qualifications:

Minimum requirements: a PhD in an appropriate discipline, with a record of innovative research and peer-reviewed publications in one or more of the areas noted above; excellent English-language communication skills; and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Preferred qualifications: Post-doctoral research or commercial experience, demonstrated experience in grant-writing and obtaining extramural funding, demonstrated teaching experience with strong potential for excellence in instruction and student mentoring, a strong plan for initial research and future research directions, and the ability to direct high-level graduate research.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented in science and engineering today. We have a vibrant departmental culture that values inclusion, diversity, honor and integrity.

Applications and Starting Date:

Anticipated starting date is July 2020. Applications are to be submitted to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/14782 including 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background and qualifications; 2) a statement of research interests (3-page maximum); 3) a teaching statement outlining experiences, philosophy and interests (2-page maximum); 4) a diversity statement of how, through research, teaching and/or service, the candidate can contribute to diversity, equity and inclusion in support of Cornell's mission of “any person… any study”; 5) a detailed curriculum vitae, and 6) three references. Initial screening of applications will begin November 15, 2019 and continue until the position is filled.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University's second largest population of students, faculty and staff. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches. Visit http://www.unyherc.org to see positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the main campus in Ithaca, New York. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement.

Cornell and Ithaca are family-friendly communities: Cornell has a comprehensive set of policies, services and benefits to help you and your family to feel welcome here, to support your well-being, and to support you in caring for your family. Visit the Family Life Resources website for more details.

Cornell's global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

The Cornell community embraces diversity and inclusion. We value AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts persons of all races, ethnicities and genders.

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