Research Technician (Agricultural Engineering)

Central State University; Wilberforce (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Central State University invites applications for a Research Technician to support the precision agriculture lab. You will install and maintain sensors, data logging systems, and UAVs for field experiments, and analyze UAV data to support field work.

The ideal candidate has an MS in a relevant engineering or CS field, strong verbal and scientific writing skills, and experience with Python or R for agricultural data. Collaboration with undergraduates and hands-on lab work are essential.

Qualifications

• MS in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar field is required.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and scientific writing skills.
• Knowledge and experience using Python or R for analyzing agricultural numerical and imagery data.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain sensors, instrumentation, data logging systems, and UAVs for field experiments.
• Analyze and manage UAV data.
• Supervise and collaborate with undergraduate students to conduct experiments and perform data collection in lab and field environments.
• Assist in preparing research findings for presentation and publications.
• Set up and help manage the precision agriculture lab.

Skills

Verbal skills

Presentation skills

Scientific writing

Education

MS in Agricultural/ Electrical/ Mechanical Engineering or CS

Tools

Python

R

Drones

Job description

Research Technician (Agricultural Engineering)

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisals for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720‑2600 or use the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877‑8339. Program information may also be made available in languages other than English.

Position Summary

Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP) in the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) at Central State University seeks a Research Technician to support the precision agriculture lab. The preferred candidate will have experience with sensors, microcontrollers, data collection and analysis, and precision agriculture concepts.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Install and maintain sensors, instrumentation, data logging systems, and UAVs for field experiments.
• Analyze and manage UAV data.
• Supervise and collaborate with undergraduate students to conduct experiments and perform data collection in lab and field environments.
• Assist in preparing research findings for presentation and publications.
• Set up and help manage the precision agriculture lab.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar field is required.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and scientific writing skills.
• Knowledge and experience using Python or R for analyzing agricultural numerical and imagery data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of prior research experience with sensors, Arduino/Raspberry Pi boards.
• Prior experience using drones for agriculture.
• Evidence of working in a team and taking responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Familiarity with agricultural production systems is a plus.

All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check, which may include verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.