Research Scientist, Department of Plant Sciences - UTIA

The Research Consultant is a high-level position responsible for independently leading the design, development, testing and scientific publishing of a cutting-edge robotic inventory system. Primarily, the incumbent will be responsible for leading 1) development of complex computer programs with expert-level Python programming, integrate sensors, robots and GPS-based navigation for automatically counting trees, measuring tree structures, and identifying tree locations; 2) planning and executing laboratory, virtual environment, and field experiments to validate and improve system accuracy, and writing test reports; and 3) evaluation of experimental successes and failures, troubleshooting, and making appropriate course corrections to achieve project success within the project timeline. The incumbent will serve as the primary author on multiple scientific manuscripts. The Research Consultant is responsible for the success of this project.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

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