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University of California - Merced

Experimental Smart Farm Academic Coordinator

University of California - Merced, Merced, California, United States, 95343


Position Overview

Position Title:

Experimental Smart Farm Academic CoordinatorSalary Range:

See Table 36 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $62,236-$89,467.Percent Time:

100%Anticipated Start:

September 16, 2024Position Duration:

1 year renewableApplication Window

Open Date:

August 12, 2024Next Review Date:

Monday, Aug 26, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.Final Date:

Friday, Aug 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.Position Description

The UC Merced Experimental Smart Farm (ESF) is a foundational implementation of the University of California Agricultural Experiment Station. The ESF integrates cutting-edge technologies in agriculture, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, drones, and AI, with sustainable agricultural practices. Serving as a model for scalable and replicable farming solutions, ESF focuses on three core pillars: Research, Education, and Extension. It aims to facilitate interdisciplinary research, provide educational opportunities, and extend the benefits of innovation to marginalized communities through inclusive innovation.Primary Research Objectives:

The ESF aims to create a convergence hub integrating advanced technologies like IoT, robotics, drones, and AI with sustainable agricultural practices. It addresses the intertwined challenges of food, energy, and water systems (FEWS) in the context of climate change and environmental justice. Research at ESF is multi-disciplinary, focusing on climate resilience, environmental sustainability, tech solutions for small farms, and the future of work in agriculture. Through continuous monitoring and data-driven approaches, ESF advances research in technology and automation, water management, soil quality, and nutrient management.Inaugural Research Areas:Monitoring and Modeling: Continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, agricultural inputs and outputs, water and energy states, and human and machine work. Integration of these observations for whole-farm behavior assessment.Agroecology: Research on farm boundaries and interfaces with natural and engineered landscapes, including pollinator habitat, evapotranspiration, and biodiversity.Future of Work: Connecting smart technology and data fusion to critical job skills and future workforce structure, creating a knowledge and skill supply chain model.Major Duties and Responsibilities:Research Project Coordination: Under the faculty director, the ESF Research Coordinator will facilitate the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of ESF research activities.Knowledge Mobilization: Facilitate strategic linkages between academic initiatives, industry, and community partnerships under the guidance of the faculty director.Administration and Facilitation of Special Research Projects: Support the development of new research test beds and Long-Term Agroecological Research through grant writing, academic and research planning, strategic budget planning, and securing financial and operational investment.Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:A minimum of a Master's degree in an appropriate field such as agricultural engineering, agricultural business, production systems, crop management, plant science, industrial technology, or a related field is required at the time of appointment.Strong organizational and communication skills with proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines, as well as exceptional attention to detail.Experience in program design, implementation, and management, preferably in an agricultural context.Demonstrated experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering research programs, particularly in the agricultural sector.Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed. Must possess a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle.Application Requirements:Document Requirements:

Curriculum Vitae, Cover LetterReference Requirements:

3 required (contact information only)Apply Link:

https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01809Help Contact:

thankston2@ucmerced.eduAbout UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity, and inclusion.Job Location

Merced, CA

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