Job Description

Position Information

Description & Details:

The Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) at North Dakota State University (NDSU) invites applications for a postdoctoral research scientist position to support a collaborative project with Greenfield Robotics on “Advancing Autonomous Farming Systems in North Dakota.” The project will pilot a full-season autonomous farming system using Greenfield’s BOTONY and “Grassbot” robotic platforms to integrate planting, in-row mulching, post-plant weed control, foliar feeding, and interseeded cover crops in dry bean and soybean production systems.

The successful candidate will lead field research and data analysis to evaluate autonomous robots as alternatives to conventional tillage and herbicide-intensive weed management, with an emphasis on soil health, weed suppression, and crop performance in North Dakota specialty crops and soybean. The position will include close collaboration with Greenfield Robotics engineers and NDSU agronomists/weed scientists, coordination of research at CREC and on-farm sites, and development of peer-reviewed publications and Extension-oriented outputs.

Hiring Range:

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Weed Science, Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
  • Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas:Field-based crop or weed management research,Autonomous ground or aerial systems (UGV/UAV) in agricultural or environmental applications,Precision agriculture, remote sensing, or site-specific management.
  • Proficiency in data analysis using statistical or scripting software (e.g., R, Python, or similar).
  • Evidence of initiating and completing research projects, including publication of results in refereed scientific journals.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and in on-farm/field environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

    • Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience with agricultural robotics or autonomous machinery (e.g., ground-based field robots, UAVs, RTK guidance, or automated implement control).
  • Experience in weed science, cover crop systems, or organic/specialty crop production.
  • Familiarity with GIS/remote sensing tools and integration of geospatial data (e.g., GPS/RTK, UAV or satellite imagery) with field measurements.
  • Experience designing and analyzing multi-factor field experiments.
  • Demonstrated interest and/or experience in Extension or producer-facing outreach (field days, workshops, demos, or similar).
  • Strong record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals relevant to precision agriculture, robotics, agronomy, or weed science.

    • Applicant Materials Required:

  • A letter of application describing how the applicant’s background, qualifications, and experience meet the position responsibilities and minimum/preferred qualifications.
  • A detailed curriculum vitae.
  • A list of publications.
  • Names and contact information (phone and email) of three current references from the most recent positions held.
  • Screening will begin 12/29/25

    • NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

    Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

    Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan

    Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account

    Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire 

    Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation 

    Superb Retirement Plan

    Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position

    Basic Term Life Insurance

    Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)

    Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)

    Paid Leave – including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays

    Employee Assistance Program

    Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans

    More Detailed Information Here:

    About Us:

    The Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) is one of seven NDSU Research Extension Centers and is located approximately 140 miles from the North Dakota State University campus at Fargo. The CREC has four scientists and four area extension specialist positions in the areas of agronomy, plant pathology, nutrient management and animal science. A professional and technical staff of 14 supports the CREC and NDSU based programs. The general responsibilities of the CREC include research and extension projects that address dryland and irrigated crop production, plant pathology, the soil resource, cropping/tillage systems, crop pest management, beef nutrition and beef production systems, nutrient/livestock management, crop and livestock integration, and foundation seedstocks production. The Carrington Research Extension Center is located in the drift prairie region of North Dakota and conducts research and educational programs for a significant part of North Dakota.

    This position is located at the Carrington Research Extension Center near Carrington, North Dakota. Carrington is a thriving rural community of approximately 2,100 people in a widely diversified agricultural production region of east central North Dakota. Carrington has progressive schools (K-12), modern medical services (clinic and hospital), and many recreation opportunities.

    North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university.We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

    NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country. 

    NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border.Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle.The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. 

    NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths.Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

    Equal Opportunity Statement:

    No Smoking Notice:

    As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

    Veteran’s Preference Notice:

    This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

    Reasonable Accommodation Information: 

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