Assistant Professor Data Science for Agricultural and Ecosystem Sustainability

There is an important need to develop data-driven solutions for addressing complex problems facing agriculture and the environment for a sustainable future. With its central motivation to improve agricultural efficiency and contribute to this need, Minnesota's AGREETT (Agricultural Research Education, Extension and Technology Transfer) initiative is making significant investments in agricultural research, education, and Extension to work in key areas of agricultural production taking advantage of the technological changes that are transforming agriculture and complementing the University's MnDRIVE (MN Driven Innovation Economy) initiative investments.

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota, seeks candidates for a 9-month tenure-track assistant professor position in the broader area of Data Science for Agricultural and Ecosystem Sustainability with research and teaching (50%/50%) responsibilities.

The goal of the Data Science for Agricultural and Ecosystem Sustainability position is to improve efficiency in agricultural and ecological systems by developing new ways to collect, interpret, and analyze agricultural and environmental data at various scales, to integrate data science, bioinformatics, computational modeling, and machine learning, and help create sustainable solutions to improve decision-making. Areas of research may include quantifying the interactions between agricultural and ecological systems and the biotic, abiotic and/or physical factors affecting agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability and incorporating prospective life-cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment of emerging/next-generation technologies for solving sustainability challenges related to agriculture and broader ecosystems. The faculty member will be expected to advance the design and implementation of highly efficient sustainable agricultural systems and sustainable environmental management solutions. The scope may cover a broad spectrum of disciplines in Data Science for Agricultural and Ecosystem Sustainability, from data collection, analysis, and integration with computational modeling, systems thinking, analysis, and management, database development to dissemination technologies/platforms.

The University of Minnesota's robust research, teaching, and Extension programs have a long history of developing and delivering cutting-edge research and education to farmers and other stakeholders. The person in this faculty position will address a critical need in the broad area of data science and agriculture and ecosystem sustainability. Responsibilities include working with both the public and private sectors to develop new technologies and guidelines for improving agricultural systems efficiency and environmental sustainability. This faculty member will help Minnesota maintain its strong leadership position in data science applications in sustainable agriculture.
The person in this position is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program, seek and secure extramural research funding from state and national competitive grant programs, and develop an independent research program of basic and applied research. The person is expected to build collaborations across disciplines and closely interact with other departments within CFANS and CSE, and across the University including the Precision Agriculture Center, AI-LEAF, U-Spatial, MN Super Computing Institute, GEMS-Informatics, and the University of Minnesota Data Science Institute (DSI). The University of Minnesota offers opportunities to work with engineers, agricultural and ecological scientists, and other faculty on campus and a network of Research and Outreach Centers across the state.

Teaching responsibilities for this position are envisioned to include undergraduate and graduate level courses offered by the department and related to the successful candidate's discipline and background, including the Sustainable Systems Management (SSM) program courses, computer applications, and potential electives on topics such as big data analytics, machine learning, circular economy, digital agriculture, agro-informatics, and ecoinformatics. The Sustainable Systems Management major aims to advance society's goals of sustainability in our global economy and the environment (https://bbe.umn.edu/undergraduate/sustainable-systems-management-major). The SSM curriculum includes courses such as Systems Thinking, Environmental Life Cycle Analysis, Environmental Management Systems and Strategy, Sustainability of Food Systems, Recycling: Extending Raw Materials, etc. Other faculty responsibilities include advising graduate students and service commitments to the department, college, University, and the profession.

Required:

• PhD in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, bioinformatics, or a related agricultural, environmental, ecological or sustainability field.
• Basic and relevant applied research experience in agricultural and ecological systems sustainability that are important in Minnesota.
• Demonstrated record of publication within discipline.

Preferred

• Preference will be given to candidates with: a strong peer reviewed publication record and experience in data science or machine learning applications, agro-informatics, eco-informatics; evidence of abilities to work collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects; evidence of potential to develop and manage independent interdisciplinary research programs at the forefront of the discipline; evidence of effective teaching with diverse audiences and excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated experience in obtaining external funding; interest in, experience with, and commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (bbe.umn.edu) is an internationally renowned academic unit with the core mission of sustainable use of renewable agricultural and natural resources, and protection and enhancement of the environment.

Pay Range: $89,000.00 - $96,000.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Applications should include a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, statements on teaching interests and research interests, and a list of three references with contact information (including email addresses). Candidates should include all required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

This position will remain open until filled. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).