Open Rank Faculty - Institute For Integrative Precision Agriculture - Director

Position Information

Classification Title Open Rank FLSA Faculty Rank Open Rank Contract Type Negotiable Tenure Status Negotiable Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in agricultural sciences, engineering, computer science, or related disciplines.

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) invites nominations and applications for the open-rank, full-time, benefits-eligible position of Director of the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture (IIPA). The contract type is negotiable. The anticipated start date for this position is August 1, 2024 or the earliest possible date.

The Institute functions as a collaborative platform to foster interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach on next-generation technologies in agriculture, food, and forestry - both within the university and with external partners. The Director will hold a senior faculty position (Professor, Professor of Practice, or Senior Research Scientist, depending on their background and professional experience) in the College of Engineering and/or the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The appointment will include administration, research, instruction, and/or service, with the exact split negotiable depending on the candidate's background and professional experience.

Additional Requirements

• Track record in research and scholarship as it relates to the application of technologies, data analytics, or models to problems in agriculture or biology is required.

• Candidates must have a strong track-record of leading large teams or groups.

Candidates must meet the requirements for appointment as a tenured Professor or as a non-tenure track Professor of Practice or Senior Research Scientist. For the requirements for each of these faculty ranks, please see the Promotion Guidelines for Different Faculty Ranks at https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure/

To be considered at the rank of Professor, candidates must have at least 5 full years in rank at the Associate Professor level or equivalent. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as an associate or full professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire. Specific criteria for Professor level in potential home departments are summarized at https://provost.uga.edu/policies/appointment-promotion-and-tenure/promotion-tenure-criteria/

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• The preferred candidate for this position should demonstrate an ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration by forming and leading diverse research teams, coupled with a proven track record of securing external funding to bolster multidisciplinary scholarship.

• The candidate should excel in partnering with industry stakeholders to lead and execute research initiatives that align with state initiatives.

• A knowledge of the innovation ecosystem is necessary to support entrepreneurial activities and creation of intellectual property.

• Candidates who are both scholarly and resourceful collaborators who can navigate the intricacies of research, industry engagement, and innovation are desired.

Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management of IIPA. Proactively represent the IIPA with internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the institute in consultation with the member faculty and in alignment with the university's mission and goals.

• Engage the IIPA membership as a cohesive team working towards the common strategic vision.

• Support scholarly activities of IIPA member faculty, bring together interdisciplinary teams, and actively seek and secure funding opportunities to support initiatives of the IIPA.

• Aim to advance both basic and applied IPA-related research that bolster overall impact for the institute.

• Collaborate with Vice President for Research, Deans, Directors, and Department Heads to support the mission of the IIPA.

• Understand, develop, and leverage relationships with the full range of state constituencies important to agriculture.

• Promote collaboration between IIPA faculty and agribusiness industry.

• Support development of new academic initiatives and/or programs that advance IPA.

• Build and manage the budget of the institute with focus on maximizing the impact of investments.

• Manage funding and development opportunities for IIPA to grow resources in mission-consistent ways.

• Promote a culture of inclusive excellence within the institute.

Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume/CV

• Writing Sample

• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.