Research Associate Professor/Research Professor & Assistant Director, Artificial Intelligence

Prairie View A&M University; Prairie View (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Research Associate Professor to lead innovative AI research in agriculture. This role focuses on developing advanced AI solutions to tackle pressing challenges in food production and sustainability. The successful candidate will spearhead a multidisciplinary team, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to enhance agricultural practices and improve food security. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the health and nutrition of communities while advancing research in artificial intelligence and agriculture. If you're passionate about leveraging technology for social good, this role is for you.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with experience in agriculture and strong data analytics skills.
• 7+ years leading multidisciplinary research teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI solutions to enhance food production and animal systems.
• Analyze data to derive insights for agricultural practices.
• Collaborate across disciplines to implement AI insights.

Skills

Data science and artificial intelligence

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Data analytics

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in agriculture, engineering, or related fields

Tools

High-resolution sensing systems

Autonomous robotics

AI methodologies

Geospatial data analysis

Job description

Job Title

Research Associate Professor/Research Professor & Assistant Director, Artificial Intelligence

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Agricultural Research Center

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Faculty

Job Description

The Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC) at Prairie View A&M University seeks qualified candidates for the Research Associate Professor or Professor and AI in Agricultural Research Leader position. This pivotal role is designed to advance the Artificial Intelligence Research Program by implementing innovative and strategic methodologies that address immediate and long-term challenges. The focus will include resolving critical issues concerning providing nutritious and healthy food for the world's expanding population.

The incumbent will spearhead a distinguished AI research team supporting underserved producers and businesses by developing and applying safe, productive practices. This role will involve pioneering efficient, innovative, evidence-based solutions within agriculture, food systems, nutrition, and environmental management. The research will incorporate advanced technologies such as high-resolution sensing systems and autonomous robotics to improve precision and operational efficiency in agricultural processes. Furthermore, sophisticated data analytics and machine learning algorithms will extract actionable insights from large and complex datasets, enhancing predictive capabilities and optimizing decision-making.

The incumbent will integrate AI-driven technologies into climate-smart solutions that empower underserved communities and foster their development. By leveraging state-of-the-art AI methodologies with sensing technologies, robotics, and data analytics, the role will advance food and agricultural systems, thereby improving all Americans' health, nutrition, and quality of life while contributing to global food security. The incumbent will also build a research team focused on innovative innovations that enhance food safety, address food insecurities, and promote nutritional security.

Responsibilities:

• Develop Advanced AI Solutions: Create and implement sophisticated AI algorithms and models to enhance various aspects of food production and animal systems in agriculture, including predictive modeling, optimization techniques, and decision support tools.

• Data Acquisition and Analysis: Gather and examine extensive datasets related to animal and food systems, covering livestock performance, environmental conditions, and market trends. Apply statistical analysis and machine learning methods to derive significant insights from the data.

• Enhance Livestock Management: Utilize AI methods to refine livestock management practices, such as optimizing feed and nutrition, detecting diseases, and improving breeding programs. Develop predictive livestock health and performance models for early intervention and proactive management strategies.

• Optimize Agricultural Economics: Collaborate with stakeholders in agricultural economics to develop AI-driven solutions that enhance economic efficiency and sustainability. This includes demand forecasting, resource allocation, and financial modeling to support informed decision-making and reduce waste.

• Integrate Emerging Technologies: Stay current with the latest advancements in AI, IoT, robotics, and blockchain, and explore their incorporation into agricultural systems to improve performance and sustainability.

• Human Perspectives: Incorporate AI to address human-centric challenges in agriculture, such as labor optimization, consumer behavior analysis, and community engagement. Develop AI tools that consider human factors to improve the overall effectiveness and acceptance of agricultural innovations.

• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with animal scientists, agronomists, engineers, and other stakeholders to convert AI insights into practical recommendations and solutions. Engage with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex challenges in food and animal systems.

• Work with faculty with split teaching-research appointments to promote excellence in teaching, research, and service by the level of their appointment; facilitate faculty efforts at seeking external grant support.

• Work closely with other system chairs to foster cooperative/collaborative relationships and a shared vision.

• Foster and develop a culture of collaborative partnership beyond the boundaries of PVAMU.

• Work to foster, strengthen, and integrate relationships and collaborations among four strategic areas (Academics, Extension, Research, and Farm).

• Support team members in enhancing publications and recognition through high-quality research.

• Work closely with the Information, Impact, and Sustainability Center (IISC) to ensure press releases highlight the key findings of the Plant Systems' research, distribute them to media that cater to general audiences, and update web content regularly.

• Participate in College-wide/University/TAMUS Cooperative/Collaborative partnerships.

• Cultivate collaborations in cross-cutting systems including animal, plant, food and nutrition, natural resources and environmental sciences, and social systems and allied research, and facilitate research in transdisciplinary areas cross campus to link with agricultural researchers.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of CARC, Assistant Director of CARC, Associate Dean of Academic Programs, and the Dean/Director of Land-Grant Programs.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. with research experience in agriculture, engineering, or related fields and strong skills in data analytics and modeling.

• 7 plus years of experience in leading a multidisciplinary group of researchers.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Data science and artificial intelligence.

• Proven record of publications in related field.

• Proven record in securing external grant funding in agriculture and life sciences-related areas including animal, plant, food and nutrition, natural resources and environmental sciences, and data science and artificial intelligence.

• A record of collaborations, involvement in professional development, and student research engagement activities.

• Must be excellent in written/oral communication with high proficiency in scientific English.

Other Requirements:

• Weekend or evenings work may be required occasionally.

• This position may require some travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong publication record.

• Time management skills to be able to prioritize activities, especially when there is a high volume of tasks.

• Communication skills to be able to communicate with internal research members or collaborators and understand their needs.

• Strong organizational skills to perform multiple tasks.

• Robust computer programming, data analytics, geospatial data analysis, and modeling.

• Flexibility to move between activities and duties quickly if priorities change.

Job Posting Close Date:

Until Filled

Required Attachments:

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or “Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:

All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or [e-mail] should you need assistance with the online application process.

Background Check Requirements:

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.