Researcher in Nursery Crops, Department of Plant Sciences: UTIA

The successful candidate will:

• Work closely with the principal investigator and collaborators to execute research objectives 

• Utilize an existing 2nd iteration proof-of-concept system to develop an inventory system that can identify and record individual trees, and their sizes and locations in the field 

• Develop a mapping algorithm in conjunction with GPS navigation to precisely detect overlapping trees

• Develop multi-lingual reporting capabilities to document nursery inventory 

• Design and conduct research experiments, analyze data, and summarize the results

• Contribute to scientific publications and conferences and outreach to the green industry.

• Assist in the planning and execution of experimental protocols to achieve research goals
• Build a ROS software framework with Gazebo (3D simulation environment) for a simulated digital nursery that validates and tests algorithms and robotic behavior
• Design autonomy architecture; assemble sensing/mapping payload
• Validate 3D→2D mapping
• Develop real‑time detection/counting algorithms
• Develop multi‑threaded framework for real‑time display
• Optimize point cloud processing
• Coordinate with collaborating farms to conduct field tests of the experimental TALI system
• Deploy and test payload at station/campus nursery and at collaborating nurseries
• Document research activities and results in a written log and with photographs
• Contribute to manuscript preparation
• Proactively identify when supplies need to be ordered
• Participate in LEAP monthly planning calls, LEAP Objective 1 calls, and others as needed.
  • Disseminate information and provide service to the Green Industry, LEAP Team, community through activities such as reviewing manuscripts and extension publications; host tour groups, provide website content and content for advisory board reports, present at local, state and national events such as Cultivate, IPPS, and other Green Industry events. 
  • Present scientific findings to scientific audiences through departmental seminars, and oral presentations and posters at the ASABE, ASHS and other professional conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Master's Degree in Mechanical Eng., Biosystems Eng., Comp. Info Sci., Power Electronics or similar field is required.

• Experience:

  • Two years of experience in farm machinery, robotics, AI, autonomous navigation, computer programming, or machine vision.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Must possess proficient written and oral English communication skills. 

  • Must be self-motivated and highly organized, operate autonomously, and ability to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and producers to conduct field, and laboratory research. 

  • Must have a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques for their applications to crop production.

  • Candidates are expected to have or be able to obtain a US Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Experience in computer programming including C++, Python, automatic controller designs, sensor applications, GPS navigation, crop structure and pattern recognition systems, SLAM navigation, Gazebo 2D/3D simulation environment development, is highly desirable.

  • Demonstrated expertise in farm machinery system development, control systems, and/or industrial automation is highly desirable.

Work Location: 

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee and Wooster, Ohio
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market range: MR09
• Anticipated hiring range: $63,860
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express inte