FACULTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

FACULTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 
Assistant Professor of Crop Sensing and Automation 
Departments of Viticulture and Enology and Biological and Agricultural Engineering 
University of California, Davis
 

The Departments of Viticulture and Enology and Biological and Agricultural 
Engineering in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University 
of California, Davis are recruiting an Assistant Professor of Crop Sensing and 
Automation in Vineyard Systems with a preferred emphasis in sensor development, 
robotics, biological and agricultural engineering, viticulture, plant science, or a related 
field. This is an academic year (9month), Assistant Professor tenuretrack position with 
teaching, research, outreach/engagement and service responsibilities and includes the 
expectation that the appointee will conduct missionoriented research and 
outreach/engagement of relevance to the California Agricultural Experiment Station 
(http://caes.ucdavis.edu/research/agexpstn). 

Responsibilities: The Departments of Viticulture and Enology and Biological and 
Agricultural Engineering are seeking applicants that focus on vineyard sensing and 
mechanization. The appointee will be expected to develop a research program focused 
on developing sensors for key viticultural variables such as yield, plant water status 
and disease state, along with integrating these sensors with data management (data 
mining, visualization, and modeling) and mechanization components of precision 
viticulture. The goal of this position will be to help create novel machines, sensors and 
systems that are designed to sense, control, instruct and provide spatially accurate and 
precise solutions for real and near real-time variable rate management challenges. 
The results of this research will be applied to all types of grapes (wine, table, and raisin), 
as well as other relevant crops. This position will have the unique opportunity to 
collaborate with faculty in grapevine physiology, plant-soil water relations, systems 
biology, and engineering that only exists on this campus. The candidate must be able 
to deliver undergraduate and graduate level classes relevant to their academic 
discipline in both departments as well as advise undergraduate students in the 
Department of Viticulture and Enology and the Department of Biological and Agricultural 
Engineering. The candidate must be willing to serve and direct MS and PhD student 
committees in Viticulture and Enology, Biological Systems Engineering, and related 
graduate fields. Participation in and development of outreach/engagement programs, 
and performance of departmental and university service is expected. This position is 
expected to work with extension educators and partners in allied industries. 

Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in agricultural engineering, biological 
systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied plant 
sciences or related field at time of appointment. No previous experience in viticulture is 
specifically necessary, as long as the candidates experience is relevant to solving 
current problems related to production of grapes and related crops. Postdoctoral 
experience is preferred. Evidence of research excellence is expected. The candidate 
should have the ability to develop and instruct undergraduate and graduate courses 
and the ability to develop and conduct extramurally funded research in problems 
related to grape and related crop production. 

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Applications: Application materials must be submitted via the following 
website: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/. The position will remain open until filled. To ensure 
consideration, applications should be received by January 9, 2017. 
Materials requested to include: 1) curriculum vitae including publication list, 2) up to 
three publications, 3) transcripts if the applicant is within five years of Ph.D. degree, 4) 
abstract of dissertation, 5) statement of teaching accomplishments, teaching interests in 
the relevant curriculum, and teaching philosophy, 6) statement of future research plans 
relevant to vineyard sensing and mechanization in California, 7) the names, addresses, 
including email, of four professional references and 8) Statement of Contributions to 
Diversity. Additional inquiries should be directed to Dr. S. Kaan Kurtural UC Davis 
Oakville Henry Jacobs Laboratory 1380 Oakville Grade Road Oakville, CA 94562 USA 
+1 (707) 944- 0126 skkurtural@ucdavis.edu 

UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is 
dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified 
applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with 
disabilities.

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