Description & Details:

This postdoctoral research position will be an integral team member for a rapidly growing focus on agricultural technology research including sensors, UAS (drones), data analytics, AI, and other related technologies. This position will integrate, deploy, evaluate (Technology Readiness Level - TRL), and support IoT sensors, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Machine Learning algorithms, and other sources of ag tech digital data for late stage research and transition to industry. The position is located at North Dakota State University and is 100% funded by research projects. Funding for the position is contingent on the success of the project and availability of funds. This position will interface with multiple NDSU teams including the AES Big Data Pipeline Unit, sensor technology R&D teams, precision agricultural research groups, Research Extension Centers, and IT. The position will also regularly interface with external partners including other researchers, vendors, private sector partners in industry and the broader Ag Tech ecosystem in the region. Some travel will be required.

Duties will include:

• Prototype, integrate, and deploy IoT systems for agricultural research and production use cases for both late stage research and commercialization.
• Work with researchers on supporting the fusion of Machine Learning and sensor hardware to enable remote connectivity solutions through various wireless communication technologies including Cellular, LoRaWAN, etc.
• Conduct in-field testing of sensors at various sites for commercialization purposes.
• Objectively evaluate IoT device performance for intended application and document results in test reports or publications.
• Manage IoT devices deployed in the field for research data collection and commercial demonstrations.
• Provide technical expertise to agricultural producers for use of IoT sensors in commercial agricultural production.

Work Schedule: M-F 8:00-5:00

Advertised Salary: $60,000 - $70,000

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong hardware design, prototyping, and diagnostic skills.
• Experience using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or similar platform for engineering projects.
• In-depth knowledge of wireless communication concepts and technologies.
• Basic understanding of database systems applicable to IoT.
• Ability to solve complex problems independently and in collaboration with users, vendors, and colleagues.
• Experience with general Machine Learning algorithms.
• Excellent interpersonal and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic mechanical skills to design and fabricate simple mechanical components for sensors and UAS payloads.
• Hands-on experience integrating sensors with wireless communication technology for telemetry systems.
• On-farm agricultural experience.
• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Screening will begin: 8/15/24

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

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:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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.

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.