Researcher in Nursery Crops, Department of Plant Sciences UTIA

The successful candidate will:

• Work closely with the principal investigator and collaborators to execute research objectives

• Utilize an existing 2^nd iteration proof-of-concept system to develop an inventory system that can identify and record individual trees and their sizes and locations in the field

• Develop a mapping algorithm in conjunction with GPS navigation to precisely detect overlapping trees

• Develop multi-lingual reporting capabilities to document nursery inventory

• Design and conduct research experiments analyze data and summarize the results

• Contribute to scientific publications and conferences and outreach to the green industry.

• Assist in the planning and execution of experimental protocols to achieve research goals
• Build a ROS software framework with Gazebo (3D simulation environment) for a simulated digital nursery that validates and tests algorithms and robotic behavior
• Design autonomy architecture; assemble sensing/mapping payload
• Validate 3D2D mapping
• Develop realtime detection/counting algorithms
• Develop multithreaded framework for realtime display
• Optimize point cloud processing
• Coordinate with collaborating farms to conduct field tests of the experimental TALI system
• Deploy and test payload at station/campus nursery and at collaborating nurseries
• Document research activities and results in a written log and with photographs
• Contribute to manuscript preparation
• Proactively identify when supplies need to be ordered
• Participate in LEAP monthly planning calls LEAP Objective 1 calls and others as needed.
  • Disseminate information and provide service to the Green Industry LEAP Team community through activities such as reviewing manuscripts and extension publications; host tour groups provide website content and content for advisory board reports present at local state and national events such as Cultivate IPPS and other Green Industry events.
  • Present scientific findings to scientific audiences through departmental seminars and oral presentations and posters at the ASABE ASHS and other professional conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Masters Degree in Mechanical Eng. Biosystems Eng. Sci. Power Electronics or similar field is required.

• Experience:

  • Two years of experience in farm machinery robotics AI autonomous navigation computer programming or machine vision.

• Knowledge Skills Abilities:

  • Must possess proficient written and oral English communication skills.

  • Must be self-motivated and highly organized operate autonomously and ability to work with a diverse group of faculty staff students and producers to conduct field and laboratory research.

  • Must have a good understanding both theoretical and practical of the engineering sciences and techniques for their applications to crop production.

  • Candidates are expected to have or be able to obtain a US Drivers License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge Skills Abilities:

  • Experience in computer programming including C Python automatic controller designs sensor applications GPS navigation crop structure and pattern recognition systems SLAM navigation Gazebo 2D/3D simulation environment development is highly desirable.

  • Demonstrated expertise in farm machinery system development control systems and/or industrial automation is highly desirable.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville Tennessee and Wooster Ohio
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range:MR09
• Anticipated hiring range:$63860
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions:

To express interest please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before December 19 2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 5 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

The Department of Plant Sciences part of the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee Knoxville addresses agricultural and environmental challenges through teaching research and Extension. We offer programs in plant sciences and landscape design conduct research in crop production genetics plant physiology and sustainable agriculture and support growers and industry partners across Tennessee.