Position Details Position Information Department Biol & Ecol Engineering (ABE) Position Title Faculty Research Assistant Job Title Faculty Research Assistant: Agricultural Systems AI/ML Developer Appointment Type Academic Faculty Job Location Corvallis Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Yes Job Summary The Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. Biological & Ecological Engineering at Oregon State University seeks an Agricultural Systems AI/ML Developer to join the Agricultural Water Technical Assistance Program (AgWater- TAP ). The Agricultural Systems AI/ML Developer will collaborate on the design and deployment of AI and machine learning models that improve agricultural water decision-making. The position focuses on combining innovative AI/ML techniques with established physical-based and agent-based models to help predict irrigation needs, estimate yields, and assess climate and management impacts. The work includes developing complex models, preparing open-source codebases, managing diverse datasets, and working closely with faculty, Extension teams, and state agency partners. The position also supports collaborative projects, contributes to proposal writing, and communicates findings at stakeholder events. This role is based in Corvallis, Oregon, with the option for a hybrid schedule. The developer will play a key role in connecting data-driven insights with the real-world challenges faced by agricultural producers and water managers across Oregon. A Faculty Research Assistant is needed to collaborate on the development of AI and machine learning models that integrate with existing environmental, climate, hydrological, crop, and social models. This position will also contribute to organizing open-source tools, supporting collaborative proposals, and helping guide model implementation across diverse projects. The appointment is for 12 months, full-time, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, program development, and future funding. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document (https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/main/for-faculty/care.pdf) . Why OSU? Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all. FACTS : •Top 1.4% university in the world •More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined •1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S. •2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties •7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone •100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates •35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color •217k+ alumni worldwide •For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances. Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: •Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. •Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. •Retirement savings paid by the university. •A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. •Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. •Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. •Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life. Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU . Key Responsibilities 50% Model development: Create and adapt AI/ML models that integrate with physical, climate, crop, and social models with datasets from remote sensing, field trials, and sensors. Ensure QA/QC, traceability, and consistency. 20% Open-source tool design: Document and publish code to shared repositories with clear structure and usage instructions. 10% Project management: Help manage timelines, contribute to team meetings, track progress, and support collaborative writing. 10% Publication and presentation: Contribute to journal articles, conference abstracts, and reports. Prepare visualizations and summaries. 10% Stakeholder support & event participation: Participate in AgWater- TAP outreach, including workshops, field days, or webinars. Demonstrate models, gather user feedback, and support uptake. What You Will Need Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field. Experience using AI/ML libraries in Python or R (e.g., TensorFlow, scikit-learn, PyTorch). Knowledge of or experience with environmental, ecological or agricultural modeling. Familiarity with integrating AI with hydrological, crop, climate, or agent-based models. Strong data management skills (e.g., data cleaning, wrangling, version control). Must be proficient in English (oral and written) for effective communication with board members, staff, partners, and the public. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Ability to foster and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in an educational environment. This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030. What We Would Like You to Have Experience with open-source scientific software, Git, and reproducible workflows. Background in remote sensing, evapotranspiration, or irrigation datasets. Knowledge of agent-based modeling or hybrid modeling techniques. Experience preparing research proposals or grant contributions. Publications or presentations at relevant science/tech venues. Experience working with Extension, or interdisciplinary teams. Working Conditions / Work Schedule This position is based in Corvallis, with the option of remote work. Some travel across Oregon is expected to support model demonstrations or stakeholder meetings. Occasional participation in evening or weekend events may be required. Work includes office-based coding, data analysis, as well as hands-on model demonstrations at conferences, workshops, or field days. Evening or weekend work may be needed when supporting events. Pay Method Salary Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience Link to Position Description https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/171382 Posting Detail Information Posting Number P09340UF Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 10/01/2025 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 08/11/2025 Full Consideration Date 08/26/2025 Closing Date 09/11/2025 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by August 26, 2025.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. Letters of Reference will be requested on finalists only. When applying, you will be asked to provide the email address and telephone number for three referees who will be sent a secure quicklink that will allow them to upload the requested letters of reference on your behalf. For additional information please contact: Malena Orduna Alegria malena.orduna@oregonstate.edu We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates) section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team atemployee.relations@oregonstate.edu. Supplemental Questions Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/171437 OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.