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

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.

Areas of research expertise and interest. We seek candidates with research expertise in advanced Artificial Intelligence technologies across agriculture, animal science, and food science. Key areas include precision agriculture, AI-driven pest and disease management, automated irrigation and nutrient optimization, AI applications in animal science, and AI innovations in food science. Precision agriculture leverages AI technologies like machine learning, computer vision, and remote sensing to enhance field management and productivity. AI-driven pest and disease management uses neural network-based systems for early detection and mitigation, promoting sustainability. Automated irrigation and nutrient optimization employ AI for dynamic scheduling and predictive analytics, improving efficiency and soil health. AI enhances livestock management and welfare through predictive models and advanced monitoring in animal science. AI in food science advances safety, quality, and processing through real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. These research areas provide the incumbent opportunities to engage in innovative projects addressing critical challenges and driving innovation across agriculture, animal science, and food science.

The AI in Ag System Leader, in collaboration with the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of the CARC, the Assistant Director of CARC, and the Associate Dean (AD) for Academic Programs, will establish the overall vision and oversee the operational management for the AI in Ag system in regards to research priorities and the general development of research scientists (including faculty with split teaching-research appointments and research faculty), postdoctoral fellows, research specialists and technicians, and student research interns within the Plant Systems. As the chief administrative officer of the AI in Ag System Research Program, the leader has the responsibility for the delivery of a robust program of research and related activities by CAFNR and the CARC regarding mission goals and objectives as spelled out in the PVAMU, CAFNR, CARC, Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) as well as the USDA/NIFA strategic plans. This position will involve the day-to-day management of staff and resources and operational strategies for the unit.

The position will support the work of AI in Ag System research scientists who are engaged in the growth of plants in field plots and greenhouse settings. It is pivotal for advancing research, education, and innovation in AI in Ag.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

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 trans disciplinary 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 programing, 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 jobs@pvamu.edu 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.