PhD in Precision Agriculture at Auburn University: Auburn University, one of the United States’ leading land-grant institutions, continues to drive innovation in engineering and agriculture through its fully funded PhD Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) opportunities.
This exceptional program, housed within the Department of Biosystems Engineering, focuses on the rapidly expanding field of Precision Agriculture and Machinery Systems, offering scholars the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research that’s shaping the future of modern farming.
Position Description – PhD in Precision Agriculture
The chosen PhD candidates will be instrumental in a variety of research projects centred around the application and evaluation of precision technologies to optimise the use of crop inputs, such as seed, fertiliser, and agrochemicals.
The research scope is broad and deeply technical, encompassing:
Precision Machinery:
handling and gathering information on the various precision technologies used in agricultural machinery such as planters, sprayers, spreaders, and harvesters.
Sensing and Control Systems:
The design and application of different sensing and control systems in the area. This involves the employment of imaging and application drones in data collection.
Data Analytics and Spatial Dataset:
This involves the capability to gather, examine, and process sophisticated spatial (location-centred) data pertaining to various soil and crop qualities. The aim is to measure the performance of in-field machinery and report on superior management procedures.
Research Trial:
The candidates will be required to design research trials and conduct research trials, gather and analyse field data, write project reports, and deliver research findings to different conferences and extension activities.
Qualifications
To be considered for this competitive, fully funded PhD opportunity, applicants must demonstrate a strong academic and practical foundation:
Educational Requirements:
B.S. and/or M.S. degree (to obtain a PhD) in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering or other engineering fields, and experience which is directly related to agricultural machinery or precision agriculture.
Technical Skills:
High interest and/or training in major areas that shape the future of agriculture such as:
- Sensing Systems and Control Systems.
- Precision Agriculture Technologies.
- Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Drones).
- Machinery/agronomy Row crop production machinery.
- Data Analytics.
Communication Skills:
Communication skills are most of all, since it will be necessary to present findings (in both oral and written form) and write to be published by a peer-reviewed journal.
Research Experience:
Technical writing and hopefully publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts experience is a great plus.
Teamwork and Independence:
It is important to be able to work both alone, to propel research, and as a part of an interdisciplinary team.
Applicants are required to possess a valid US driver license because the job will involve working on the field and traveling to other research locations as well as extension functions.
Application Process and Contact Information – PhD in Precision Agriculture
This chance is a stepping stone to a career with global impacts, as you are going to be the leader in engineering solutions of sustainable agriculture.
Serious and well qualified candidates should email Dr. Simerjeet Virk at once.
In the first application email, you need to state your interest and experience in the PhD position and attach your resume and academic transcripts.
Application Deadline – PhD in Precision Agriculture
These positions would preferably commence during the Spring or Summer of 2026, which will give sufficient time to ensure a smooth transition.
Application review is still in progress: The vacancy will be kept open until suitable candidates are found to occupy both vacancies. It is highly recommended that it should be used at an early stage.
You should not miss the opportunity of taking part in the next revolution in farming.
And if you need to know more about the host department and its research area, or even the PhD in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, visit the official website