DESCRIPTION:

• The Precision Agriculture Research and Extension program in the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department, Auburn University (Auburn, AL) is seeking for ONE PhD student to conduct research on Precision Irrigation (Variable Rate Irrigation and Irrigation Scheduling).
• The research will also include the use of Crop Growth Modeling to Identify and Evaluate Precision Irrigation Strategies. This research will be conducted at farmers’ fields.
• The PhD student will join a multi-disciplinary team of faculty (nutrient management, agricultural economist, social science, crop growth modeling, precision agriculture) and graduate students working with farmers on the increase of knowledge and skills towards adoption of conservation practices.
• The Funding for this Assistantship comes from a grant of the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) who is seeking for the adoption of conservation practices, therefore the research conducted will be applied research which could have direct applicability by farmers.
• Digital technologies tools such as remote sensing, geographic information systems, soil and plan sensors with telemetry along with Artificial Intelligence techniques for data analysis and modeling will be considered in the research project.

START DATE:

• May 5th, 2022

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master of Science in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Crop Science, or Environmental Sciences. OR a Bachelor of Science in one of these field PLUS research experience on Irrigation, Precision Agriculture or Crop Growth Modeling applications in Agriculture.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English, and ability to work on multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate previous research related to Irrigation or Crop Growth Simulation Modeling. Applications that do not demonstrate work on those areas will be not considered.
• Experience with digital technologies (Geographic Information System, Remote sensing, GPS) is desirable.
• Willingness and availability to conduct research at farmers’ fields located away from Auburn main campus.
• The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated and having strong academic records.
• Willingness to organize irrigation related extension meetings with farmers.

LOCATION:

• The student will be base at the Auburn University main campus located in Auburn, AL.

MAIN POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS POSITION:

• Submit your CV and letter of application describing your education background, qualifications and experience, and career goals to Dr. Brenda Ortiz, Professor and Extension Specialist: bortiz@auburn.edu