Assistant Professor: Digital Technology, Machine Learning and AI in Agriculture Communications ...

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 92,500 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC State University is seeking an Assistant Professor for Digital Technology, Machine Learning and AI in Agriculture Communications and Education. This tenure-track position involves establishing a research program focused on transforming agricultural education through AI and machine learning.

Candidate responsibilities include developing Extension programming, enhancing learning outcomes for students, and securing external funding. A Doctorate in a relevant field is required, along with experience in ML and AI.

Qualifications

• Experience working in ML and AI as it applies to STEM education.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a research program in AI and ML.
• Enhance communication outcomes for agricultural professionals.
• Design impactful Extension programming incorporating AI.

Skills

Machine learning (ML)

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Grant writing

Education

Doctorate degree in Education or related field

Job description

Assistant Professor: Digital Technology, Machine Learning and AI in Agriculture Communications and Education

Posting Number: PG194658EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Anticipated Hiring Range: $92,500 – $105,000

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8AM‑5PM

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Agricultural and Human Sciences

About the Department

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) fulfills the land‑grant mission by preparing students to thrive in a global marketplace, pursue cutting‑edge research, and put those results to work across North Carolina and beyond. The college is a connected community of 3,600 undergraduate, graduate, and Agricultural Institute students, 345 tenure‑track and professional faculty, 100 postdocs, 898 staff, and 598 county operations employees.

Academic programs span 17 undergraduate majors, 21 undergraduate minors, 12 undergraduate certificates, and 11 graduate certificates in 12 academic departments. The college offers 19 bachelor’s degrees, 91 master’s degrees, and 45 doctoral degrees. The Agricultural Institute is the college’s two‑year program offering six associate of applied science degrees.

The college brings together the brightest minds in academia, government, and industry to drive the vital research and innovation necessary to tackle agriculture and life sciences challenges. Award‑winning researchers in the college are conducting bold, interdisciplinary research at the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative, Plants for Human Health Institute, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab, four University Field Labs, and over 30 facilities on‑campus and off‑campus. In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the college operates 18 agricultural research stations to test research in real‑world scenarios under natural conditions. Transforming science into solutions is at the heart of NC State Extension, housed in the college. NC State Extension is present in every county of the state, with 1,100 experts and a network of partnerships to extend the knowledge from our faculty to farmers, families, and citizens. It delivers more than 17,000 educational activities statewide via nearly 8,000 programs.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work‑life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking candidates that will help define what’s next for agricultural education and communication. This tenure‑track faculty position within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is an opportunity to build and lead a nationally recognized program exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning can transform the way students learn, educators teach, and agricultural communities access knowledge. Through research, Extension, and teaching, this role will shape innovative approaches that strengthen learning experiences and advance agricultural and food systems education for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a forward‑thinking research program exploring the use of AI and ML in agricultural and Extension education, including areas such as personalized learning, predictive analytics, adaptive assessments, virtual assistants, and emerging educational technologies.
• Develop innovative approaches that enhance communication and learning outcomes for students, agricultural professionals, producers, and community stakeholders.
• Design and deliver impactful Extension programming that helps agricultural and food systems organizations understand, adopt, and apply AI‑driven technologies and tools.
• Create hands‑on workshops, trainings, and educational resources focused on topics such as data‑informed decision making, AI applications in agriculture, and technology integration strategies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty, research centers, strategic initiatives, and external partners to advance applied AI efforts across agriculture and life sciences.
• Develop technology‑enhanced teaching and learning experiences that prepare future educators, Extension professionals, and agricultural leaders to effectively integrate emerging technologies into their work.
• Teach and contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs related to agricultural and Extension education, communication, and technology applications.
• Mentor and advise graduate students while supporting student research, innovation, and professional development.
• Conduct scholarly and translational research that bridges theory, practice, and community impact across teaching, Extension, and applied research initiatives.
• Secure external funding and build partnerships that expand the reach and impact of AI and ML initiatives within agriculture and food systems.
• Contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service activities that support the broader mission of CALS and the agricultural community.

This 12‑month appointment includes responsibilities across Research (50%), Extension (30%), and Teaching (20%).

If you are excited to push boundaries, translate emerging technologies into meaningful practice, and help shape the future of agricultural education and outreach, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Education and Experience

Earned a Doctorate degree in Education, STEM Education, Agricultural Education, or a closely related field. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience working in the discipline of machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and technology as it applies to STEM education.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for graduate students and lay and professional audiences.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, team building, problem‑solving ability, networking skills, and ability to work with interdisciplinary groups.
• Demonstrated grant writing skills and familiarity with electronic media and distance education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of successful professional experience and demonstration of an understanding of the land‑grant university mission.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• A valid NC Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.