Specialist in Cooperative Extension (Professor of Cooperative Extension) Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Located at the University of California, Merced

Position Overview
The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), in collaboration with the University of California, Merced, invites applications for a Professor of Cooperative Extension at the Assistant Rank, which has the formal appointment title Specialist in Cooperative Extension. Housed at UC Merced and with connections to UC ANR’s statewide network through UC ANR Innovate, this position will advance the application of artificial intelligence and emerging computational technologies to challenges facing California agriculture and food systems. The specialist will develop an applied research and extension program focused on identifying, developing, evaluating, and translating AI-enabled approaches for agricultural use. The incumbent will explore new horizons and the future of food systems solutions through AI, enhancing crop yield predictions, pest management, and resource optimization. Working across disciplines and in partnership with UC researchers, Cooperative Extension, growers, industry, technology developers, and other stakeholders, the specialist will help move promising AI applications into real-world settings.

Professors of Cooperative Extension, also known as UCCE (UC Cooperative Extension) Specialists, develop and conduct research and educational programs aimed at appropriate clientele groups in communities outside of UC campuses. UCCE Specialists have programs primarily focused on mission-oriented research or creative work that support the university’s efforts to extend knowledge, including outreach and community engagement. Mission-oriented research encompasses the entire research continuum, from basic research to the application of research results. This research is generally applied in nature and aims to solve a problem facing society related to the mission of the UCCE Specialist’s discipline and the UCCE mission. UCCE Specialists publish the results of applied research in a combination of research publication types, whether peer-reviewed or not, based on the relevant audiences served by the UCCE Specialist’s program.

The extension program disseminates knowledge and information to clientele groups to improve their ability to understand and address the problems and opportunities they face. The extension educational program serves the University’s public service mission. Educational program activities include but are not limited to collaborations with UCCE Advisors, other UCCE Specialists, campus faculty, program teams, workgroups, or clientele groups; developing and presenting educational materials; communicating to clientele through broadcast, print, or electronic media; participating in meetings with clientele; developing and presenting in-service training courses; organizing or participating in workshops, field tours, symposia, or conferences. Much of this work is conducted in partnership with UC ANR’s locally based UCCE Advisors. The UCCE Specialist – Advisor and faculty partnership creates an applied research network that benefits both the University and the public at large. This position does not include formal classroom instruction at the University

Location headquarters: The University of California, Merced, in Merced, CA

Position Details

The incumbent will work at the interface of artificial intelligence, data science, computing, and agricultural systems to build a nationally visible AI program that advances agricultural innovation, decision support, applied research, and extension. Potential areas of focus include, but are not limited to, machine learning and deep learning applications in crop management, yield forecasting, livestock health and welfare monitoring, pest and disease detection, nutrient cycling, genomic predictions, AI-or ML-enabled plant and animal breeding, computer vision applications, decision-support tools, dashboards, large language models and chatbot applications, and other translational approaches that connect data science with field-based agricultural applications. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally recognized artificial intelligence program that addresses the priority needs of California agriculture and food systems and delivers practical value for producers, growers, and stakeholders. In developing the program, the specialist will identify challenges where AI and data-driven approaches can provide practical, measurable benefits, and evaluate the performance, applicability, and limitations of applications under real-world conditions.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct applied research related to AI, ML, and related computational approaches that lead to improved productivity, resource-use efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience.
• Translate AI research and emerging technologies into extension programming, decision-support tools, demonstrations, and stakeholder training.
• Develop, adapt, evaluate, and validate AI-enabled technologies, models, and approaches under real-world conditions, and assess the accuracy, reliability, and scalability of AI-enabled applications.
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams across UC ANR and beyond to integrate AI and data-driven approaches into agricultural innovation.
• Collaborate with UC Merced faculty and UC ANR’s network of advisors, specialists, statewide programs and institutes, as well as external stakeholders, to conduct applied research and disseminate research results.
• Collaborate with the F3i Supercomputing Center, including our emerging partnership with the UC San Diego Supercomputing Center, to ensure that all UCCE academics are better aware of how to access and utilize both AI and supercomputing in their research and extension initiatives.

The specialist will have extensive opportunities to establish partnerships with a variety of stakeholders and collaborators to strengthen visibility, alignment, and program impacts.

Counties of Responsibility: This statewide position will serve the agricultural sector across California.

Reporting Relationship: The position will be located at the UC Merced campus in the School of Engineering, with an appointment in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering (CSE), Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE), or Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering (MAE), with ultimate placement based on background and overall fit. UC ANR will oversee the merit and promotion process, consistent with other UC ANR UCCE Specialists, in consultation with the UC Merced Department Chair. The UCCE Specialist will also hold an additional 0% (uncompensated) Adjunct Professor series appointment with the working title of Professor of Cooperative Extension (Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture) at UC Merced. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work on-site at the UC Merced campus.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education
A Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, agricultural or biological systems engineering, agricultural systems, precision agriculture, statistics, applied mathematics, computational biology or ecology, bioinformatics, quantitative genetics, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. Applicants who have not yet earned a Ph.D. must be within 12 months of completing their degree to be considered.

Key Qualifications
• Demonstrated expertise in data analytics, modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related computational approaches.
• A demonstrated record of applied research in AI, ML, data science, computational methods, or a related field.
• Evidence of the ability to conduct applied, interdisciplinary research addressing agricultural, environmental, biological, or other real-world systems.
• Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and technical communication skills.
• A record of scholarly publication commensurate with career stage.
• Evidence of the ability or potential to develop competitive extramural funding proposals and secure research or programmatic support.
• Technical Competence needed to:
o Conduct and report needs assessments to identify priority issues or problems relevant to the clientele groups served.
o Develop and implement effective UC ANR Cooperative Extension applied research and educational programs to address the identified priority needs of the clientele that are consistent with ANR’s Strategic Vision and Initiatives.
o Design, conduct, analyze, and disseminate applied research that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and related computational approaches to address statewide and locally relevant agricultural and natural-resource challenges.
• Communication skills necessary to:
o Disseminate appropriate, science-based information to inform clientele, using extension methods that are responsive to clientele needs and suitable for the audience and situation.
o Maintain and promote UC ANR Cooperative Extension’s credibility by providing science-based knowledge.
o Evaluate programs and report accomplishments, results, and potential or actual impacts to scientific and lay audiences through various outreach methods, e.g., peer-reviewed publications, internet, workshops, and newsletters.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills needed to:
o Build collaborative working relationships with CE Advisors, CE Specialists, Academic Coordinators, Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) faculty, and program staff across UC ANR and UC Merced by participating in program teams and work groups.
o Engage with a network external to UC ANR, including state and local agency staff, policymakers, civic organizations, and nonprofit partners.
• Lifelong Learning:
o Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with state government and agencies related to AI and its intersections with agriculture.
o Demonstrate commitment to ongoing growth-both professionally and as a person.

Desired Experience
• Experience developing, adapting, evaluating, or deploying AI/ML tools in field-based agricultural, biological, or natural-resource settings, including applications involving sensors, remote sensing, imaging systems, robotics, autonomous platforms, or other digital technologies.
• Demonstrated ability in integrating heterogeneous data streams—such as environmental, agronomic, geospatial, sensor, genomic, imaging, or operational data—into predictive models, decision-support systems, or other actionable tools.
• Experience translating AI/ML research into user-oriented applications, including decision-support tools, dashboards, mobile or web applications, demonstrations, or other technologies that support agricultural management and decision-making.
• Experience working collaboratively with Cooperative Extension personnel, growers, ranchers, agricultural organizations, technology companies, commodity groups, agencies, or other industry and community stakeholders.
• Experience conducting stakeholder-engaged or participatory research, including identifying user needs, co-developing solutions, evaluating usability, and adapting technologies to real-world operational constraints.
• Experience working effectively in interdisciplinary teams that bridge computer science, engineering, agricultural and biological sciences, economics, social sciences, or related disciplines.
• Experience evaluating AI-enabled technologies with respect to accuracy, reliability, scalability, interpretability, adoption, and practical value under field conditions.

Additional Requirements
• This is not a remote position.
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver’s License to drive a County or University Vehicle.
• This position is open to individuals who are currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for new employment-based petitions; limited support may be available for eligible visa transfers when legally permissible. Internal UC ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.
• Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and provide evidence of success in meeting the required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

About UC ANR
UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the UC system's expertise by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, economic development, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education at county-based UCCE offices across 70+ locations, serving all 58 counties. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California’s reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for the positive difference it makes in people’s lives.

About the University of California, Merced
Opened in 2005 as the newest campus of the University of California, UC Merced continually strives for excellence in carrying out the university's mission of teaching, research, and public service, benefiting society by discovering and transmitting new knowledge and functioning as an active repository of organized knowledge. The School of Engineering aims to solve global problems by finding sustainable solutions to local challenges, incubating the creation of new enterprises and good jobs, and facilitating the prosperity of the San Joaquin Valley and beyond.

Learn More About
• UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement.
• UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams
• UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.
• UC ANR uses seven public value statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.
• UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR’s commitment to civil rights
• UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.
• UC Merced

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this UC Cooperative Extension Specialist is Assistant Rank, Step I ($94,300) to Step VI ($123,300). Step placement in this series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Specialist salary scales, please refer to the University of California salary scale.

The UC Cooperative Extension Specialist position is a two-year renewable-term appointment. Performance in this position is evaluated annually, with merit actions being evaluated every two years. Upon completion of a successful review, you may be reappointed for another definite term. Our intention with this definite term appointment is to be reappointed based on positive performance reviews and the continuing need for the position.

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits, including 2 days of paid vacation per month, 1 day of paid sick leave per month, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges per the terms of University policy. ANR is part of UC’s Family-Friendly Policies. For more information, refer to the UC Benefits website.

How to Apply
If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose “applicants” (refer to position #26-17). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To ensure full consideration, application packets must be received by November 22, 2026 – (open until filled).

Questions?
Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.

The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.