Assistant / Associate Research Professor

MSU Jobs • Starkville, MS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Geosystems Research Institute (GRI) at Mississippi State University is seeking a motivated Assistant/Associate Research Professor with demonstrated experience and expertise in machine learning and advanced data analytics techniques to lead applied research efforts in agriculture, conservation, and related fields. The research professor will lead funded research projects and be expected to seek new funding opportunities. The successful candidate will be involved in group, as well as lead single PI, research projects. The research professor will also be encouraged to lead innovative research in areas such as climate resilience, precision agriculture, natural resources, and conservation technology, utilizing machine learning, and geospatial intelligence applications. It is expected that the research professor will build their professional portfolio through activities such as collaborative research, publication in reputable scientific journals, and presentations at regional and national meetings. Supervisory duties are also included. This position is not open for remote or teleworking arrangements.

Requirements

• PhD in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field; candidates with a PhD in natural resources, geography, or agricultural fields with demonstrated competency in machine learning and data analysis will also be considered.
• Extensive knowledge in machine learning and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of geospatial analysis and concepts, including but not limited to experience in processing and analyzing geospatial data from satellites, UASs, and remote sensing platforms.
• Some knowledge of agricultural processes, agricultural practices, and/or natural resources
• Demonstrated ability in developing manuscripts and presentations using Microsoft Office (MSWord and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB, and experience with high-performance computing environments.
• Ability to accomplish research independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency with geospatial analysis, integration, and modeling.
• Experience in climate change modeling, environmental systems, or large-scale landscape analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of agricultural processes, agricultural practices, and/or natural resources.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding from federal agencies such as NSF, USDA, or NOAA.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research environment. Experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders and contributing to inclusive research practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for collecting and processing uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and satellite data, ensuring that data meets the specific requirements of researchers working in conservation, natural resource management, and agriculture, while also advancing the integration of cutting-edge data analysis techniques in these fields.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders such as federal agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners to co-produce research with practical applications in agriculture, natural resource management, geosystems and geospatial intelligence, and climate adaptation.
• Identify, integrate, and evaluate emerging technologies, such as GeoAI, sensor networks, and cloud-based geospatial data infrastructures, to advance research scalability and impact.
• Perform interdisciplinary research with a focus on machine learning applications in agriculture and/or natural resources.
• Document project results in reports.
• Disseminate research results via conference proceedings, journal manuscripts, and other interactive and engaging media.
• Present project results to peers, program managers, and the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees