Assistant Professor of Practice for Advancement in Agricultural Technology

Description & Details:

North Dakota State University and the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering department are seeking an Assistant Professor of Practice for the Peltier Institute for Advancement in Agricultural Technology. The Peltier Institute will lead development of innovative academic programs that will enhance the educational experience for students by introducing them to career opportunities at the intersections of agricultural production systems, engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence.  This position will teach the practical skills needed in the rapidly evolving field of agricultural technology. The professor of practice will teach cutting-edge technologies and techniques, allowing students to apply their knowledge directly to agricultural operations. This position will provide leadership and deliver high-quality student instruction to the department’s Agricultural Technology undergraduate program within the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources. Expected teaching load is 18 to 22 credit hours per year. Courses taught will primarily be related to the application of agricultural technology to modern farming systems and may include existent or newly proposed courses, dependent upon program needs and candidate expertise. Topics may include, but are not limited to, applications of agricultural technology, machinery principles and management, calibration and use of application equipment, sensor and control technology for agricultural systems, principles of hydraulic systems, and precision livestock systems. Through a combination of online and face-to-face courses, and hands-on labs, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of agricultural technology systems and their application to modern farming practices. This position will have an 80% teaching appointment, along with a 10% research and a 10% service appointment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a terminal degree or equivalent professional experience, and demonstrated professional or industrial/business experience.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills, including evidence of ability to lead and motivate others
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and collaborate with diverse audiences within the scope of the land grant university mission
• Valid driver’s license 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with innovative pedagogical approaches and evidence-based teaching practices, including experiential or active learning in the classroom.
• Experience with precision agriculture, data analytics, and/or drone pilot licensing process and requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of North Dakota's agricultural landscape and challenges.
• Established professional network within the agricultural industry and research community.
• 2 years of experience outside of academia in a position related to implementation of technology within the agricultural industry

Applicant Materials Required:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter highlighting how they meet minimum and preferred qualifications, detailing their teaching philosophy and their interest in the position
• Abbreviated curriculum vitae (no more than six pages)
• A statement of vision for curriculum content
• Contact information for at least three professional references

For further inquiries about this position, please email Dr. Rob Proulx, Search Committee Chair, at rob.proulx@ndsu.edu. Please include a phrase such as “Inquiry into Professor of Practice for Advancement in Agricultural Technology Inquiry position” in the subject line.

Screening date will start 4/8/25

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS! 

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
• Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
• Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire 
• Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation 
• Superb Retirement Plan
• Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
• Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
• More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.