Visiting Research Scientist - Precision Farming of Small Ruminants-2177

Campus

LANGSTON

Contact Name & Email

nika wilson, luhumanresources@langston.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$42,000 - $45,000

Commensurate with education and experience

Priority Application Date

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by to ensure full consideration.

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

About this Position

LU-SLSAAS is committed to excellence in research, extension, teaching, and international programs, in accordance with the Land-Grant mission of Langston University. Cutting-edge research focuses on providing new information that is relevant and usable by producers, researchers, and consumers alike. The LU-SLSAAS is seeking a highly motivated and qualified research scientist to lead innovative research and extension programs in the field of precision farming for small ruminants (goats and hair sheep). The successful candidate will drive advancements in sustainable livestock production by developing and implementing state-of-the-art technologies. This position requires a collaborative individual who can work effectively with a multidisciplinary team, secure external funding, and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders and producers.

GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research with goats and hair sheep in the AIGR, LU-SLSAAS. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the research and extension programs. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Develop and conduct externally funded research programs focused on applying precision technologies to small ruminant production.
• Utilize sensors, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to monitor animal health, welfare, behavior, and production traits on an individual animal level.
• Investigate and evaluate new technologies such as wearable sensors, computer vision, and robotics to improve efficiency in grazing, feeding, and management systems.
• Analyze large datasets from multiple sources to create decision-support tools that help farmers optimize resource allocation and enhance animal performance.
• Secure extramural funding by writing and submitting competitive grant proposals.
• Collaborate with other scientists, extension specialists, and industry partners to translate research into practical, on-farm applications.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, extension workshops, conferences, and producer-oriented materials.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in research projects.

NOTE:

Although experience is a desired quality for this position, what is even more important is an expressed passion for work, the ability to learn quickly, an optimistic attitude, a desire to serve people and communities, and the ability to be an ultimate teammate. In this regard, the position offers exceptional growth opportunities for early- to mid-career professionals and fosters collaborative work.

Required Qualifications

(degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• Ph.D. in Animal Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in precision livestock farming, with a specific focus on small ruminants.
• Proficiency in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical software.

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to write effectively for scientific publications and present complex information to diverse audiences.
•  A proven record of, or strong potential for, attracting external funding.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Experience with advanced sensing technologies (e.g., GPS, IoT, computer vision, biometrics) and their application in livestock systems.

· Expertise in analyzing and modeling animal behavior and physiological data.

· Knowledge of and experience with parasite control and other critical issues facing the small ruminant industry.