layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

LAYIQ - Assistant Professor at University of Arkansas System

Research (80%)
The successful candidate will be expected to: Develop a cutting-edge research program focused on high-throughput phenotyping, image-based trait extraction, sensor integration, and advanced data analytics applied to plant breeding.
Utilize and innovate in sensing platforms including UAVs, robotics, ground-based systems, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR, satellite systems, automated greenhouse phenotyping, and related technologies.
Apply AI, machine learning, statistical modeling, and computer vision to quantify complex traits, improve prediction accuracy, and enable earlier and more precise selection decisions.
Collaborate directly with breeders in soybean, rice, fruits, vegetables, and wheat to integrate phenomics outputs into active selection pipelines.
Establish interdisciplinary partnerships with weed scientists, soil scientists, agronomists, plant pathologists, and agricultural engineers to expand phenotyping applications.
Secure extramural funding from federal agencies (USDA-NIFA, NSF, DOE, NASA, etc.), commodity boards, interdisciplinary initiatives, and industry partnerships.
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and communicate results to stakeholders and breeding teams.
Teaching (20%)
The successful candidate will be expected to: Teach one undergraduate and one graduate course annually in remote sensing, phenomics, data analytics, machine learning, or a related area aligned with plant breeding applications.
Mentor M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students and engage undergraduate students.
Contribute to curriculum innovation aligned with emerging sensing, computational, and data science technologies in agriculture.
Program Resources and Collaborative Advantages
The successful candidate will benefit from: Access to AAES’s statewide network of research and extension stations, including five Research & Extension Centers and several Research Stations located across Arkansas (https://aaes.uada.edu/research-locations). These sites provide diverse soil, climate, and production environments to support diverse environments for phenotyping deployment and validation.
Access to the Arkansas High-Performance Computing Cluster (AHPCC) (https://hpc.uark.edu).
Synergies with cluster hires in omics integration, AI/data analytics, and genomics, and a supportive multi-crop breeding ecosystem, including established programs in soybean, rice, fruits, and vegetables.
Opportunities for cross-department collaboration with researchers in weed science, soil science, agronomy, plant pathology, agricultural engineering, and food science.
Location

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, Listing of Publications, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details), Statement of Research Philosophy, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants should submit the following: 1) Letter of application including a summary of relevant experiences and accomplishments; 2) A vision statement regarding your goals in research for this position; 3) A detailed vitae including a list of publications, funding, and a summary of research and mentoring or teaching activities; 4) Official academic transcripts; and 5) List of three references with mailing and e-mail addresses and phone numbers.

Questions regarding applications or the position should be directed to Dr. Trent Roberts (tlrobert@uark.edu), Search Committee Chair.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Dr. Trent Roberts (tlrobert@uark.edu), Search Committee Chair.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.

Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy.

Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Grasping, Hearing, Kneeling, Lifting

Occasional Physical Activity:

Balancing, Driving, Walking

Assistant Professor

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