Post-Doctoral Research Associate -Department of Plant Sciences (UTIA)

Post-Doctoral Research Associate -Department of Plant Sciences (UTIA)

POSITION: A postdoctoral scientist position in nursery crops production automation is available at the Department of Plant Sciences, UTK, to work with a national, transdisciplinary team of scientists. The successful candidate will employ cutting-edge nonlinear signal processing techniques for big data analyses to develop an automatic crop sensing-based inventory system.

LOCATION: The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Amy Fulcher as well as with collaborators of USDA-ARS in Ohio and must be able to work in person in both locations during the project.

Qualifications:

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will:

• Utilize an existing proof-of-concept system to develop an inventory system that can identify and record individual trees, and their sizes and locations in the field
• Develop a mapping algorithm in conjunction with GPS navigation to precisely detect overlapping trees
• Develop multi-lingual reporting capabilities to document nursery inventory
• Design and conduct research experiments, analyze data, and summarize the results
• Contribute to scientific publications and conferences
• Work closely with the principal investigator and collaborators to execute research objectives

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Ph.D. in Power Electronics and Drivers is required. The successful candidate should have strong written and oral communication skills and demonstrated expertise (e.g., publications, earned degrees) in farm machinery system development, control systems, and/or industrial automation. Experience in computer programming including C++, automatic controller designs, sensor applications, GPS navigation, and crop structure and pattern recognition systems is required. A good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques for their applications to crop production is highly desirable. Candidates are expected to have or be able to obtain a US Driver's License.
• This is a 1-year appointment and is available beginning December 1, 2024. Continuation of this position is possible and is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Salary is based on experience and qualifications according to UT policy. In addition, UT provides an excellent fringe benefits package.

Interested applicants should apply at http://hr.utk.edu/recruitment/ by submitting 1) a cover letter that includes research experience and interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least 3 references.

For more details about the position, contact Dr. Amy Fulcher (afulcher@utk.edu).