Assistant/Associate Professor of Sensing and Data Analytics in Agricultural Entomology

Description

Position Overview

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee,

Knoxville, invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track position at the assistant or

associate professor level with a specialization in sensing and data analytics for agricultural

entomology. This position is part of the Plant Ecosystem Resilience in a Changing

Environment (PERCE) cluster hire, which focuses on developing data-driven solutions to

address critical challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. We are

seeking a dynamic and multidisciplinary scientist who will apply quantitative methods and

computational tools to solve complex pest management problems in agriculture and

forestry. The ideal candidate will be a leader in the rapidly advancing field of digital or “big

data” entomology, with demonstrated expertise in utilizing large datasets to advance

scientific understanding of insect biology, behavior, and their interactions with agricultural

plants.

Research areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Precision pest management to enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity

• Novel sensing technologies and/or geospatial imaging for automating collection of

data for insect species abundance, spatial population distribution, and plant/pest

interactions

• Pest risk assessment and developing agricultural decision support tools and

outcome models

• Automated monitoring and modeling of insects as vectors of plant disease and

detecting breakdown of plant resistance to pests

• Other applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) for agricultural

entomology

Candidates will be expected to (1) establish and maintain an internationally recognized,

externally funded, vibrant research program that addresses significant questions at the

intersection of entomology and data science; (2) actively participate in interdisciplinary

collaborations within the PERCE cluster, the Entomology and Plant Pathology department,

and across the university and affiliated institutions; (3) publish high-impact, peer-reviewed

scholarly research; (4) teach undergraduate and graduate courses in precision agriculture,

ML/AI techniques in agriculture, and/or other topics in agricultural entomology; (5) mentor

graduate and undergraduate students; and (6) contribute to departmental, college, and

university service.

The ideal candidate for the PERCE cluster will embody a deeply collaborative mindset,

prioritizing collegiality to achieve shared research and educational achievements. A

transdisciplinary approach will be central to this role, encompassing large-scale grant

proposals, joint publications, and innovative curricular programming. For early career

faculty, PERCE offers a unique framework for professional development and mentorship

within a rich multidisciplinary environment. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is

seeking candidates committed to fostering an atmosphere where all members of the

university community feel welcome and can thrive.

Research Context and Opportunities

The PERCE cluster represents a major institutional investment in sustainable and resilient

agriculture and forestry systems. Faculty hired through this search will have access to:

• Ten UT AgResearch and Education Centers across Tennessee, providing real-world

testbeds for agricultural technology deployment

• State-of-the-art computing resources, including high-performance computing

(HPC) clusters and GPU resources for AI/ML research

• Strong partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including access to

supercomputing facilities and collaborative research opportunities

• The AI Tennessee Initiative, providing interdisciplinary connections and resources

for AI research and education

• Collaborative opportunities with faculty across Entomology and Plant Pathology,

Computer Science, Plant Science, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science,

Microbiology, and other related departments

• Access to extensive agricultural and forestry datasets from statewide research

stations and industry partners

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in Entomology, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline

at the time of appointment

• Demonstrated expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data science

• Strong publication record commensurate with current career status and the rank of

appointment

For an Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank: