Assistant/Associate Professor Agricultural Systems Technology

Overview

Utah State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor in Agricultural Systems Technology in the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education (ASTE).The successful candidate will provide leadership in teaching, research, and engagement related to agricultural systems and technologies, with particular emphasis on areas such as agricultural machinery and technology, automation and emerging technologies, precision and digital agriculture, agricultural processing, environmental and resource management, and agricultural operations.

The position will strengthen ASTE's Agricultural Systems Technology programs while contributing to the department's broader mission in career and technical education (CTE), workforce preparation, and Extension and outreach education. The successful candidate should understand the role of agricultural systems and technologies within CTE and be prepared to collaborate with students, educators, Extension professionals, industry partners, and other stakeholders who teach, apply, and communicate agricultural technologies.

This is a nine-month tenure-track position with an anticipated appointment of 65% teaching, 30% research, and 5% service. The position is housed in the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education (ASTE) with an anticipated start date no later than August 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, with a commitment to high-quality instruction. The candidate will contribute to the continued development and enhancement of the Agricultural Systems Technology curriculum and employ effective, evidence-based teaching strategies that promote student learning, engagement, and career readiness. Undergraduate teaching assignments may include, but are not limited to, electrification and electronics, automation, diagnostics, data management for agriculture, machinery management or environmental management. Graduate teaching responsibilities will support ASTE’s graduate programs in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the M.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education. Specific assignments will be determined based on program needs and the qualifications, expertise, and experience of the successful candidate.

The successful candidate’s potential research should focus on areas relevant to agricultural systems such as workforce training/education, use of technology to manage soil/water quality, the application of sensors, data management, robotics, management of precision irrigation systems, or remote sensing systems to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure a safe and reliable food system. Expectations include:

• Develop an independent, externally funded research program that complements or expands existing departmental research within the areas of agricultural systems technology (e.g., Agricultural Processing & Automation, Geospatial Technology for Agriculture, Environmental & Resource Management, Agricultural Machinery &
• Technology, Agribusiness, Agricultural Operations)
• Conduct and publish research relevant to an identified research agenda
• Participate in and direct graduate student committees
• Participate in relevant academic committees
• Collaborate and interact with interdisciplinary faculty, programs, trade, and/or professional organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Agricultural Systems Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Technical Systems Management, Biological Systems Engineering, Agricultural Education, or related fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated technical skills related to Agricultural Processing & Automation, Geospatial Technology for Agriculture, Environmental & Resource Management, Agricultural Machinery & Technology, Agribusiness, or Agricultural Operations.
• Evidence of potential in teaching excellence.
• Evidence of potential for effectiveness in research and ability to secure funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated understanding of career and technical education, agricultural education, Extension education, workforce development, or other educational contexts in which agricultural systems and technologies are taught and applied.
• Evidence of effective teaching experience, including experience with educational technology, online instruction, and various teaching methods.
• Success in receiving competitive extramural funding and peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent knowledge of U.S. production agriculture and agricultural systems, with the ability to teach across the Agricultural Systems Technology curriculum and effectively serve students pursuing careers in agricultural industry, CTE education, Extension, and related fields.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover Letter describing applicant’s qualifications for the position to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Teaching Philosophy up to one page to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Research Agenda up to one page to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”

Three professional references with contact information to be typed at the beginning of the application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits.

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

College/Department Highlights

The Applied Sciences, Technology and Education (ASTE) department provides instruction to students seeking a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree. These innovative degree programs allow students to gain expertise in the fields of agriculture, education, management, applied sciences, business, and machinery technology. The ASTE Department coordinates teacher licensure in agricultural education; business education; family and consumer sciences education; and technology and engineering education. The mission of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is to enhance the lives of people through education, discovery and outreach, which collectively guide the ethical and sustainable use of land, food, water, and economic resources, thereby improving the health and well-being of humans, plants, animals and the environment.

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [email protected].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026