Postdoctoral Associate

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech seeks to fill a calendar year (12-month) postdoctoral associate position that will conduct research in the area of using various types of optical systems (e.g. various types of cameras) in combination with an artificial intelligence program (software) to identify and diagnose biotic (e.g. plant diseases) and abiotic (e.g. nutritional deficiencies) stresses in plant crops such as lettuce, herbs and strawberries grown in controlled environments such as greenhouses and indoor vertical farms. The duty location will be at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Located in Danville, VA. The incumbent will work with a team of university faculty in horticulture as well as industry partner scientists specializing in physics, engineering and computer science. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring and maintenance and utilization of the equipment in cooperation with team engineers, plant crop production and management, conducting research projects, data entry, and coordinating experiments with the various team members.

Ph.D. in horticulture, plant sciences or closely aligned field awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of the appointment with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining. Experience with statistical analysis of data. A commitment to working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Experience working with computer systems, optics and various software packages is desirable. Experience writing research publications.

Restricted

Commensurate with Experience

01/20/2023

Required application materials include: 1) complete curriculum vitae, 2) official or unofficial transcripts of all graduate course work, 3) statement of current research and future research interests as relevant to this position and commitment to diversity, and 4) names, addresses and email of three professional references. All inquiries should be directed to Michael R. Evans, Search Committee Chair at mrevans1@vt.edu. To apply for this position go to Job #522240 at https://www.jobs.vt.edu. Review of applications will begin on 01/20/2023 and all applications received by this date will be reviewed and considered.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.