Assistant Professor - AI in Agriculture

Texas A&M Agrilife Research; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Texas A&M Agrilife Research is seeking an outstanding, innovative, and dynamic Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture. This 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position will be based at Temple, Texas, with academic affiliation in a suitable department at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX.

The successful candidate will develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program in AI to address challenges in agriculture and environmental

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in AI, Data Science, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Natural Resources, Soil and Crop Sciences, Agronomy, Computer Science, or closely related field by hire date.
• Strong background in AI, machine learning, and data analytics as applied to agricultural and environmental systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C++, and ML frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a nationally funded research program in AI applications in agriculture and environmental systems.
• Conduct interdisciplinary AI research addressing challenges in precision agriculture, robotics, and digital farming.
• Supervise postdocs, graduate students, and research staff; publish in peer-reviewed venues.

Skills

Python

R

Java

C++

Machine learning

Education

PhD in AI/Data Science/Natural Resources or related

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Assistant Professor - AI in Agriculture

Agency: Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Temple

Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate

Job Location: Temple, Texas

Job Type: Faculty

About Texas A&M AgriLife

About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Job Summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking an outstanding, innovative, and dynamic individual to fill a 12-month, non-tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture. This 100% research appointment will be administratively based at the Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, Texas, with academic affiliation in a suitable department such as Soil and Crop Sciences, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, or Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. The successful candidate will develop a nationally and internationally recognized, externally funded research program in AI to address critical challenges in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sustainability by applying machine learning, data science, remote sensing, robotics, and other emerging digital technologies. The position offers opportunities to collaborate with faculty and researchers across Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, other Texas A&M System agencies, federal partners, and industry. Research may focus on one or more areas to improve agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability, including precision and digital agriculture, crop and livestock systems management, robotics and autonomous systems, intelligent decision support systems, computer vision, sustainable farming, and water and natural resource management.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a nationally recognized, externally funded, and self-sustaining research program focused on the sustainability, health, productivity, and marketability of agriculture, natural resources, and environmental systems.
• Conduct interdisciplinary research in AI applications within agriculture and natural resources, addressing critical challenges in research innovation, including: AI and Robotics in Intelligent Farming Systems Smart Agriculture and IoT Integration Precision and Autonomous Agriculture Crop and Livestock Systems Management Sustainable Production Systems Large-Scale Collaborative Research Secure competitive funding from external sources
• Supervise and mentor postdoctoral associates or research scientists.
• Supervise student research projects, serve on graduate committees, and mentor students in scholarly activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and community service providers to ensure research relevance and applicability to stakeholders.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.
• Share models and tools with relevant stakeholders, land managers, and the broader scientific community.
• Build institutional capacity in AI research and emerging technologies across the institution and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to enhance research and outreach.

Administrative Relationships

Reports directly to the Center Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research-Blackland, with guidance from the academically affiliated department at Texas A&M University, College Station. Directs the work of support staff, other technical personnel and graduate students assigned to the project.

Qualifications

Required job qualifications: Ph.D. in AI, Data Science, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Natural Resources, Soil and Crop Sciences, Agronomy, Computer Science, or a closely related field by hire date. Candidates with a degree in a closely related field must demonstrate a strong academic background or a research program explicitly focused on AI applications in agriculture. Strong background in AI, machine learning, and data analytics as applied to agricultural and environmental systems. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C++, and machine learning frameworks/libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow, or PyTorch. Evidence of, or the ability to produce, peer-reviewed publications of original research. Potential to develop research proposals and sustain a funded, high-impact research program.

Preferred job qualifications: Experience developing and applying innovative, data-driven approaches that integrate AI with geospatial analysis, remote sensing, robotics, and related digital technologies applied to agriculture, environmental science and technology, natural resource management, or plant science/biology. Prior academic, post-doctoral, or professional experience. Experience working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and engaging with agricultural and environmental stakeholders Grant writing experience and evidence of obtaining external funding through competitive grant programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellence in verbal and written communication. Team-building skills, collaboration capacity, and project management abilities. Professional demeanor. Ability to multi-task and establish effective working relationships. Knowledge and understanding of the mission and role of the Land Grant University System.

Location and Facilities

This position will be affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Blackland Research and Extension Center in Temple, TX. The Blackland Research Center and the collocated USDA-ARS Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory have a long history of modeling cropland and grazing land production and their effects on soil and water resources.

Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship

Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.

Salary

Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications.

Benefits and Leave

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums)
• 12–15 annual paid holidays
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs

Prospective employee benefits

• Retirement programs
• Commitment to inclusive excellence
• Strategic plan