Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY

The College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology (CAFST) seeks an energetic and student-focused faculty member with expertise in Agricultural Engineering Technology (AET) for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This is a dual appointment shared between the Departments of Agricultural Sciences (25% teaching) and Agricultural Research (75%). The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Agricultural Engineering Technology as determined by departmental needs. Specific teaching assignments will be made by the Department Chair. The faculty member will also plan an important role in student advising and mentorship, including providing guidance and support to related student organizations. The successful candidate will assist in the recruitment of students into the Agricultural Engineering Technology program. The position includes a strong research expectation. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a robust research program in discipline and collaborate with colleagues in the Cooperative Extension program.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Provide high-quality instruction engineering courses and facilitate effective student learning in undergraduate and graduate courses in Agricultural Engineering Technology with a focus on machinery and instrumentation plus additional supporting core courses (e.g., programming, computer aided=drafting and design, thermodynamics, etc.) depending on the department's needs and candidate's expertise.
• Engage with FVSU Research Farm personnel and industry partners, as needed, to successfully teach required course and complete research projects.
• Design, prepare and supervise laboratory and experiential learning activities in discipline for students. Use both internal (e.g. Desire to Learn (D2L)) and other instructional learning technologies to deliver course materials and engage students. Develop course objectives, assignments, and effective methods for assisting student performance.
• Modify existing courses or develop new courses, as needed, to create a dynamic curriculum that prepares students for professional careers.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback on student work.
• Engage undergraduate students in research and experiential learning opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a robust, competitive research program as a platform for professional growth and student training, mentoring undergraduate research projects, and/or participation in professional organizations.
• Secure extramural funding through competitive grants and collaborative partnerships.
• Establish collaborations with appropriate industry partners to facilitate internships and other learning opportunities for students and help ensure relevancy of programs and curricula.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Provide evidence of innovative instructional pedagogy including familiarity of AI integration in the discipline.
• Demonstrated industry and/or research expertise in the area(s) of machinery systems engineering, machine design, instrumentation or control system development.
• Ability to teach undergraduate courses in introductory engineering, computer programming, computer aided drafting (CAD), off-road machinery design and analysis, agricultural machinery management, and other courses that support the department's mission.
• Demonstrated research activities or industry experience.
• Interest and ability to successfully participate in co-curricular activities including advise and mentoring of students in curriculum and career planning, involvement in student organizations, internships, and undergraduate research mentoring.
• Ability to create effective learning environments where students can succeed and thrive.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues in teaching, research and extension is essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, in addition to the ability and desire to work with diverse stakeholders and limited resource beef producers.
• Evidence of strong analytical, organizational, and communicative skills and collaborative teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to secure external research funding.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge or experience using CAN bus systems.
• Knowledge of or experience in one or more of the following: engineering simulation tools (FEA,CFD,DEA, etc.), control systems, machine design, welding and metal fabrication techniques.
• Experience related to curriculum development in higher education.
• Interest and/or experience in developing collaborations with industry partners.
• Post-doctoral training or additional professional experience beyond the Ph.D. is desirable.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.