Assistant Professor

Phenomics Applied To Plant Breeding Assistant Professor

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position (80% research, 20% teaching) in Phenomics Applied to Plant Breeding. This is a unique opportunity to join a coordinated cohort of established and new faculty working to modernize and transform public breeding programs across Arkansas.

The successful candidate will develop a comprehensive research program focused on high-throughput phenotyping, AI and machine learning-based trait extraction, and data-driven selection strategies that accelerate genetic gain and strengthen applied breeding pipelines across multiple crops.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a cutting-edge research program focused on high-throughput phenotyping, image-based trait extraction, sensor integration, and advanced data analytics applied to plant breeding.
• Utilize and innovate in sensing platforms including UAVs, robotics, ground-based systems, multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR, satellite systems, automated greenhouse phenotyping, and related technologies.
• Apply AI, machine learning, statistical modeling, and computer vision to quantify complex traits, improve prediction accuracy, and enable earlier and more precise selection decisions.
• Collaborate directly with breeders in soybean, rice, fruits, vegetables, and wheat to integrate phenomics outputs into active selection pipelines.
• Establish interdisciplinary partnerships with weed scientists, soil scientists, agronomists, plant pathologists, and agricultural engineers to expand phenotyping applications.
• Secure extramural funding from federal agencies (USDA-NIFA, NSF, DOE, NASA, etc.), commodity boards, interdisciplinary initiatives, and industry partnerships.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and communicate results to stakeholders and breeding teams.
• Teach one undergraduate and one graduate course annually in remote sensing, phenomics, data analytics, machine learning, or a related area aligned with plant breeding applications.
• Mentor M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students and engage undergraduate students.
• Contribute to curriculum innovation aligned with emerging sensing, computational, and data science technologies in agriculture.

Location: This position is based at the University of Arkansas campus located in Fayetteville, AR.

Department: The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences is one of eight academic departments in Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

Application: To be considered, applicants must submit the following materials: 1) Letter of application including a summary of relevant experiences and accomplishments; 2) A vision statement regarding your goals in research for this position; 3) A detailed vitae including a list of publications, funding, and a summary of research and mentoring or teaching activities; 4) Official academic transcripts; and 5) List of three references with mailing and e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Questions regarding applications or the position should be directed to Dr. Trent Roberts (View email address on click.appcast.io), Search Committee Chair.

Deadline: Screening of applicants will begin Dec 4, 2026, and will continue until a qualified candidate is identified.