Asst/Associate Professor Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Kentucky State University; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentucky State University is seeking an Assistant/Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence with expertise in agriculture and natural resources. This role involves research and teaching in AI applications, focusing on sustainable practices.

The candidate will develop innovative AI approaches, oversee student projects, and collaborate with faculty and industry partners. A Ph.D. in a relevant field and demonstrated research and teaching experience are required.

Qualifications

• Strong background in artificial intelligence as applied to agricultural systems.
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages for machine learning.
• Understanding of data ethics and responsible AI practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in AI applications in agriculture.
• Develop and teach courses related to AI and its applications.
• Supervise student research projects and mentor students.

Skills

Artificial intelligence

Machine learning

Data analytics

Python

R

Java

C++

Pandas

NumPy

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Education

Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or a closely related discipline

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources

Department: Colleges of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources

Reports to: Dean or Department Chair

Employment Classification: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time

Effective Date: TBD

Location: On-Site-Main Campus

Effective Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Summary

The Assistant/Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture, Agriscience, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources will lead efforts to integrate AI-driven approaches into teaching, research, and community engagement activities. The successful candidate will develop innovative methods for applying AI to address challenges in sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, environmental management, and natural resource conservation. This position directly supports Kentucky State University’s mission to serve the Commonwealth and broader community through innovative research, experiential learning, and public service.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in AI applications within agriculture, agriscience, aquaculture, and natural resources.
• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to AI and its applications in agricultural and environmental sciences, utilizing project-based and active learning pedagogy.
• Supervise student research projects, serve on graduate committees, and mentor students in scholarly activities.
• Collaborate with faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders to develop AI solutions for agricultural and environmental challenges.
• Build institutional capacity in the application of AI and emerging technologies across the College of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources to enhance research, instruction, and outreach.
• Seek and secure external funding to support research programs, equipment acquisition, and student development.
• Publish scholarly research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at professional conferences.
• Lead or participate in outreach and extension initiatives that integrate AI into community programs, promoting innovation, productivity, and sustainability.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees and comply with institutional policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of teaching assignments, grades, and research or grant documentation in accordance with university policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong background in artificial intelligence, 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.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems, aquaculture practices, and natural resource management.
• Understanding of data ethics, responsible AI practices, and applications of AI in sustainability and public health.
• Excellent teaching, mentoring, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues, students, and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in securing and managing research funding.

Supervisory Responsibility

May provide functional supervision to graduate assistants, research interns, or student workers as assigned.

Other Duties

Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the university’s mission, programs, and research initiatives.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, Health Informatics, or a closely related discipline.

Demonstrated record of research in AI applications to agriculture, natural resources, public health, health sciences, or aquaculture.

Evidence of teaching excellence and curriculum development at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

Experience with grant writing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied research preferred.

The minimum qualifications for appointment to the faculty in the rank of assistant professor, in academic areas where the doctorate is the terminal degree, include the following:

• Possession of the master’s degree in the teaching discipline or a related field and two years of full‑time study beyond the master’s degree or its equivalent (a minimum of 45 semester credits).
• Two years of full‑time teaching experience in an institution accredited by one of the accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (or its equivalent as determined by the academic unit/division, the unit supervisor, the appropriate Dean, and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs). The terminal degree may substitute for experience.
• Potential for professional growth and achievement.

The minimum qualifications for appointment to the faculty in the rank of associate professor include the following:

• Possession of the earned doctoral degree or its equivalent.
• Evidence of professional achievement.
• Potential for further professional growth and achievement.
• Five years of full‑time teaching experience in an institution accredited by one of the accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (or its equivalent as determined by the academic unit/division, the unit supervisor, the appropriate Dean, and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs).

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office, classroom, and laboratory environment on the main campus. Position involves frequent use of computers, laboratory equipment, and digital instructional technologies. Requires extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking between offices, classrooms, or research facilities. Occasional travel required for conferences, fieldwork, research, and outreach activities. May occasionally work evenings or weekends to meet program, grant, or outreach obligations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kentucky State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.