Work Location: This position will be located on the LSU Campus in the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. This position has statewide extension responsibilities and extensive travel throughout the state is required to support the described duties.

Position Description: This is a full-time 12-month, tenure-track position with a 70% extension and 30% research appointment focused on developing a comprehensive precision agriculture extension education program. The successful candidate will be expected to work with and through research and extension colleagues and industry partners to implement and coordinate a comprehensive precision agriculture program. This position must interact with commodity and agricultural industry partners to identify, develop, and implement critical research projects and outreach initiatives. Collaboration with research and extension faculty within Louisiana, as well as with national experts on issues of shared interest and importance is encouraged. Formal participation in multi-disciplinary, regional, or national extension and research initiatives is expected. Results of research should be published in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific/technical publications. Extramural funding to support the activities of the position should be solicited from federal and state agencies, commodity (state and national) research boards, and the agricultural industry.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally recognized extension and applied research program through the development and implementation of precision agriculture technologies as crop management tools in Louisiana. The successful candidate will be expected to utilize digital agricultural technologies including precision agriculture farm operations and data collection and interpretation (planting, variable rate technology, yield monitor, etc.) and applications of artificial intelligence to support implementations of climate-smart production techniques to enhance agronomic and horticultural crop production and profitability in Louisiana. Collaborations with other crop production and pest management disciplines are expected. The candidate will also be involved in undergraduate and graduate student training, in their area of specialization. Training and supporting professional development of extension agents in precision agriculture is expected. He/she will be responsible for working with advisory committees to identify clientele needs, developing research programs that respond to those needs, and assessing program impact. He/she will disseminate LSU AgCenter recommendations and provide current content to precision agriculture and commodity web pages on the AgCenter web site. Technology transfer and outreach to stakeholders must be accomplished through web-based content, social media, agricultural trade magazines and traditional extension methods (newsletters, blogs, oral delivery, and extension publications). Additional duties include participation in professional and technical meetings and other outreach as necessary to inform producers, industry personnel, and other researchers of project activities and findings. This faculty member will report to the Director of the School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences.

Qualification Requirements: A Ph.D. in plant science (agronomy/horticulture), soil science, biosystem engineering, or other closely related agricultural field of study is required. The ability to coordinate and work with and through a diverse research and extension faculty cohort is required. Documented training in precision agriculture related to field crops research, and agronomic production practices is critical to the success of the position. Demonstrated experience communicating with a broad range of extension professionals and stakeholders is required. Applicants should have demonstrated effective oral, written, and electronic communication skills necessary for presentations to a variety of audiences. Experience using precision agriculture and AI technologies to enhance crop management and crop management decisions is required. Evidence of successful grantsmanship, research activity, and stakeholder interaction will be important considerations. The ability to multi-task and work in a team environment with research and extension faculty representing other disciplines is critical.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2023 or until a suitable candidate is identified

Application Procedure: Must apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching cover letter with resume including a statement of professional interest and goals, a statement describing how diversity would figure into your teaching, research, or extension activities, original university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching recommendation letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. David Picha
Director, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences
104-B Sturgis Hall, LSU
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: 225-578-1032
Email: dpicha@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: AgCenter website

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer