Assistant/Associate Professor Agricultural Systems Technology

Overview

Utah State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor in Agricultural Systems Technology in the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education (ASTE).The successful candidate will provide leadership in teaching, research, and engagement related to agricultural systems and technologies, with particular emphasis on areas such as agricultural machinery and technology, automation and emerging technologies, precision and digital agriculture, agricultural processing, environmental and resource management, and agricultural operations.

The position will strengthen ASTE's Agricultural Systems Technology programs while contributing to the department's broader mission in career and technical education (CTE), workforce preparation, and Extension and outreach education. The successful candidate should understand the role of agricultural systems and technologies within CTE and be prepared to collaborate with students, educators, Extension professionals, industry partners, and other stakeholders who teach, apply, and communicate agricultural technologies.

This is a nine-month tenure-track position with an anticipated appointment of 65% teaching, 30% research, and 5% service. The position is housed in the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education (ASTE) with an anticipated start date no later than August 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, with a commitment to high-quality instruction. The candidate will contribute to the continued development and enhancement of the Agricultural Systems Technology curriculum and employ effective, evidence-based teaching strategies that promote student learning, engagement, and career readiness. Undergraduate teaching assignments may include, but are not limited to, electrification and electronics, automation, diagnostics, data management for agriculture, machinery management or environmental management. Graduate teaching responsibilities will support ASTE’s graduate programs in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the M.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education. Specific assignments will be determined based on program needs and the qualifications, expertise, and experience of the successful candidate.

The successful candidate’s potential research should focus on areas relevant to agricultural systems such as workforce training/education, use of technology to manage soil/water quality, the application of sensors, data management, robotics, management of precision irrigation systems, or remote sensing systems to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure a safe and reliable food system. Expectations include:

Develop an independent, externally funded research program that complements or expands existing departmental research within the areas of agricultural systems technology (e.g., Agricultural Processing & Automation, Geospatial Technology for Agriculture, Environmental & Resource Management, Agricultural Machinery &

Technology, Agribusiness, Agricultural Operations)

• Conduct and publish research relevant to an identified research agenda
• Participate in and direct graduate student committees
• Participate in relevant academic committees
• Collaborate and interact with interdisciplinary faculty, programs, trade, and/or professional organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Technical Systems Management, Biological Systems Engineering, Agricultural Education, or related fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated technical skills related to Agricultural Processing & Automation, Geospatial Technology for Agriculture, Environmental & Resource Management, Agricultural Machinery & Technology, Agribusiness, or Agricultural Operations.
• Evidence of potential in teaching excellence.
• Evidence of potential for effectiveness in research and ability to secure funding.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of career and technical education, agricultural education, Extension education, workforce development, or other educational contexts in which agricultural systems and technologies are taught and applied.
• Evidence of effective teaching experience, including experience with educational technology, online instruction, and various teaching methods.
• Success in receiving competitive extramural funding and peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent knowledge of U.S. production agriculture and agricultural systems, with the ability to teach across the Agricultural Systems Technology curriculum and effectively serve students pursuing careers in agricultural industry, CTE education, Extension, and related fields.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover Letter describing applicant’s qualifications for the position to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
• Teaching Philosophy up to one page to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
• Research Agenda up to one page to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”
• Three professional references with contact information to be typed at the beginning of the application
• **Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits.

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

College/Department Highlights

The Applied Sciences, Technology and Education (ASTE) department provides instruction to students seeking a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree. These innovative degree programs allow students to gain expertise in the fields of agriculture, education, management, applied sciences, business, and machinery technology. The ASTE Department coordinates teacher licensure in agricultural education; business education; family and consumer sciences education; and technology and engineering education. The mission of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is to enhance the lives of people through education, discovery and outreach, which collectively guide the ethical and sustainable use of land, food, water, and economic resources, thereby improving the health and well-being of humans, plants, animals and the environment.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine co