Description

North Dakota State University and the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABEN) department are seeking an Assistant Professor of Practice in Agricultural Technology. In alignment with the objectives of the New Horizon: NDSU 2035 initiative, the successful candidate will lead and assist the development of innovative academic curriculum and courses that meet current and future workforce needs at the intersections of agricultural production systems, engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence.

The successful candidate will lead the development of an online certificate in agricultural technology or precision agriculture for the online Masters of Agriculture (MAG) program within the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources. They will also contribute to curriculum redesign for the ABEN department’s Agricultural Technology (AGT) undergraduate program.

This position will teach the practical skills needed in the rapidly evolving field of agricultural technology. The professor of practice will teach cutting-edge technologies and techniques, allowing students to apply their knowledge directly to agricultural operations. This position will deliver high-quality student instruction to the AGT and MAG programs in on campus face to face and online modalities.

Courses taught will primarily be related to the application of agricultural technology to modern farming systems and may include existing or newly proposed courses, dependent upon program needs and candidate expertise. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory concepts in precision agriculture, applications of agricultural technology, sensor and control technology for agricultural systems, electronic systems in precision agriculture, data management for precision crop & livestock systems, and principles of hydraulic systems.

This position is initially for two years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funds. This position will have an 80% teaching appointment, along with 10% applied research and 10% service appointments. Expected teaching load is 15-18 credit hours per year between face to face and online instruction.

Work Schedule: Standard University hours; potentially some evening hours

Hiring Range: Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a terminal degree or equivalent professional experience, and demonstrated professional or industrial/business experience.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills, including evidence of ability to lead and motivate others
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and collaborate with diverse audiences within the scope of the land grant university mission

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with innovative pedagogical approaches and evidence-based teaching practices, including active learning online or in the classroom.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and instructional design for online modalities.
• Experience with precision agriculture, data analytics, and/or drone pilot licensing process and requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of North Dakota's agricultural landscape and challenges.
• Established professional network within the agricultural industry and research community.
• 2+ years of experience outside of academia in a position related to implementation of technology within the agricultural industry

Employment Eligibility:

• Valid driver's license required.
• Background check required.
• NDSU determines employment eligibility through the E-Verify system. New employees to NDSU must present specific identification to determine their employment eligibility no later than their first day of work. To view the identification required, please see the List of Acceptable Documents. You will be required to have one item from List A OR one item from List B and List C.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
• A cover letter highlighting how they meet minimum and preferred qualifications, detailing their teaching philosophy and their interest in the position
• Abbreviated curriculum vitae (no more than six pages)
• A statement of vision for curriculum content
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Screening will begin 9/8/25

For further inquiries about this position, please email Rob Proulx, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected]. Please include a phrase such as “Inquiry into Professor of Practice for Advancement in Agricultural Technology” in the subject line.

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS! 

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
  • Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
  • Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
  • Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
• Superb Retirement Plan
  • Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
• Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
• More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].