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.
