Assistant / Associate Professor of Sensing and Data Analytics in Agricultural Entomology

Assistant / Associate Professor of Sensing and Data Analytics in Agricultural Entomology

Location : Knoxville, TN

Open Date : Oct 14, 2025

Close Date : Jan 7, 2026

Description : Position Overview

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee,

Knoxville, invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track position at the assistant or

associate professor level with a specialization in sensing and data analytics for agricultural

entomology. This position is part of the Plant Ecosystem Resilience in a Changing

Environment (PERCE) cluster hire, which focuses on developing data-driven solutions to

address critical challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. We are

seeking a dynamic and multidisciplinary scientist who will apply quantitative methods and

computational tools to solve complex pest management problems in agriculture and

forestry. The ideal candidate will be a leader in the rapidly advancing field of digital or “big

data” entomology, with demonstrated expertise in utilizing large datasets to advance

scientific understanding of insect biology, behavior, and their interactions with agricultural

plants.

Research areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to :

• Precision pest management to enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity
• Novel sensing technologies and / or geospatial imaging for automating collection of

data for insect species abundance, spatial population distribution, and plant / pest

interactions

outcome models

detecting breakdown of plant resistance to pests

entomology

Candidates will be expected to (1) establish and maintain an internationally recognized,

externally funded, vibrant research program that addresses significant questions at the

intersection of entomology and data science; (2) actively participate in interdisciplinary

collaborations within the PERCE cluster, the Entomology and Plant Pathology department,

and across the university and affiliated institutions; (3) publish high-impact, peer-reviewed

scholarly research; (4) teach undergraduate and graduate courses in precision agriculture,

ML / AI techniques in agriculture, and / or other topics in agricultural entomology; (5) mentor

graduate and undergraduate students; and (6) contribute to departmental, college, and

university service.

The ideal candidate for the PERCE cluster will embody a deeply collaborative mindset,

prioritizing collegiality to achieve shared research and educational achievements. A

transdisciplinary approach will be central to this role, encompassing large-scale grant

proposals, joint publications, and innovative curricular programming. For early career

faculty, PERCE offers a unique framework for professional development and mentorship

within a rich multidisciplinary environment. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is

seeking candidates committed to fostering an atmosphere where all members of the

university community feel welcome and can thrive.

Research Context and Opportunities

The PERCE cluster represents a major institutional investment in sustainable and resilient

agriculture and forestry systems. Faculty hired through this search will have access to :

testbeds for agricultural technology deployment

(HPC) clusters and GPU resources for AI / ML research

supercomputing facilities and collaborative research opportunities

for AI research and education

Computer Science, Plant Science, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science,

Microbiology, and other related departments

stations and industry partners

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications

at the time of appointment

appointment

For an Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank :

For an Appointment at the Associate Professor rank :

research program

Preferred Qualifications

techniques to agricultural or forestry systems

fields

Application Instructions :

The application deadline is January 7, 2026. Applications received after the deadline may

be considered until the position is filled. Please submit the following items online in

Interfolio to complete your application :

maximum, excluding references) including vision for interaction with the cluster and

the department

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  eoa@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to  investigations@utk.edu , or by phone at 865-974-0717.