Chair in Digital Agriculture

Team JMC; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Brunswick seeks a Chair in Digital Agriculture, a full-time tenure-track position focused on integrating digital technologies into agricultural systems. This role involves leading impactful research, mentoring students, and collaborating with industry to enhance farm productivity and sustainability.

Benefits

Access to modern labs and interdisciplinary research centres

Support services for grant development and partnerships

Over $2 million in secured funding from partners

Qualifications

• Strong record of scholarly publications and ability to attract research funding.
• Experience supervising graduate students and fostering inclusive research environments.
• Passion for making real-world impacts through research and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Conducting and publishing original, peer-reviewed research in digital agriculture.
• Developing and leading interdisciplinary research projects with collaborators.
• Supervising and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Skills

Digital agriculture

Crop simulation

Precision agriculture technologies

Data analytics

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in agriculture, plant or soil science, environmental science, computer science, or data science

Job description

The Chair in Digital Agriculture is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, based at UNB's Fredericton campus. Structured as a five-year renewable appointment, the Chair will be responsible for leading a high-impact research agenda focused on integrating digital technologies into agricultural systems.

The Chair's primary research will explore the application of advanced computational technologies-such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics-to improve and simulate crop development, resource use, and climate adaptability. Through this work, the Chair will generate new insights and tools that support sustainable agriculture, optimize decision-making, and enhance farm productivity.

Key Responsibilities :

Conducting and publishing original, peer-reviewed research in digital agriculture and crop modelling Developing and leading interdisciplinary research projects with academic and industry collaborators Supervising and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral researchers

Building partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations Pursuing research funding through grants and strategic partnerships

Supporting knowledge mobilization, policy development, and commercialization efforts

To complement the Chair's academic and research focus, UNB is also creating an Innovation Director role. This individual will provide support in industry engagement and applied research translation, ensuring that the Chair's work is relevant, accessible, and responsive to sector needs.

Candidate Snapshot

UNB is seeking an exceptional scholar and emerging or established leader in digital agriculture. Ideal candidates will combine strong academic credentials with a demonstrated commitment to applied, interdisciplinary research.

Candidates should bring the following :

• A PhD in agriculture, plant or soil science, environmental science, computer science, data science, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in digital agriculture, crop simulation, or precision agriculture technologies A strong record of scholarly publications and the ability to attract competitive research funding
• Experience supervising graduate students and fostering inclusive, high-performance research environments
• A collaborative spirit, strong communication skills, and an enthusiasm for working with both academic and industry stakeholders
• A passion for making real-world impacts through research and teaching

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of agriculture in Canada through a role that combines research excellence, community engagement, and technological leadership.

Research Focus Areas

The Chair will have considerable flexibility to shape their research direction, within the broader goal of advancing digital innovation in agriculture.

Some illustrative areas of inquiry may include :

• Digital Twinning for Sustainable Agriculture : Integrating IoT data (e.g., soil moisture, nutrientlevels, temperature) into real-time crop simulation models to build digital twins of farm operations.
• Climate-Resilient Crop Modeling : Exploring the effects of climate change on crop yields and resilience using long- term climate projections and adaptive modeling strategies.
• Data-Driven Decision Support Tools : Using AI and advanced analytics to create predictive modelsthat support farmer decision-making related to planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Optimized Crop Rotation Models : Leveraging historical yield data, soil health metrics, and environmental variables to develop custom crop rotation plans that enhance long-term productivity and sustainability.
• Carbon Sequestration and Regenerative Farming : Assessing the environmental and economic impact of practices such as cover cropping, agroforestry, and low-till farming, especially in relation to carbon capture and soil health.

These projects will aim to deliver actionable insights, develop scalable technologies, and contribute to global discussions on sustainable agriculture and food security.

Impact and Strategic Value

The Chair in Digital Agriculture represents a transformative opportunity to advance innovation and capacity in New Brunswick and across Canada.

Key benefits and strategic outcomes include :

• Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation : The research outcomes will drive the development of new tools, products, and services for the agricultural sector, strengthening New Brunswick's innovation economy.
• Building Research Capacity : The Chair fills a critical gap in New Brunswick's research ecosystem, creating a dedicated hub for agriculture-focused research within the province.
• Developing the Next Generation of Talent : Through mentorship and training, the Chair will cultivate a pipeline of skilled researchers and professionals equipped to lead in digital agriculture.
• Supporting Climate Action : By advancing knowledge in climate-smart agriculture, the Chair's work will contribute to national and international efforts to improve resilience, reduce emissions, and enhance environmental stewardship.
• Enhancing Farmer Resilience : With increased pressures on productivity, sustainability, and efficiency, farmers need practical solutions. This Chair will help translate data into action, supporting farmers as they adopt new technologies and practices.

Why UNB

UNB offers a collaborative and supportive environment where faculty are empowered to lead meaningful, high-impact research. With a strong focus on innovation, UNB provides access to modern labs, interdisciplinary research centres, and dedicated support services for grant development, partnerships, and knowledge mobilization. The Chair in Digital Agriculture is backed by over $2 million in secured funding from partners including McCain Foods, Research NB, and the Government of New Brunswick-a clear reflection of the confidence and momentum behind this role.

UNB values research excellence, teaching, and community engagement, and supports faculty with a collegial atmosphere, opportunities for leadership, and a strong foundation for long-term success. Whether you're launching a new research program or scaling existing work, UNB offers the infrastructure, funding, and institutional commitment to help you make a lasting impact.

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