The Department of Statistics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for a specialist in messy data. This is a 9-month (academic year), tenure-track appointment. The incumbent, as an expert in applied statistics, will contribute to the integrated research and teaching land-grant mission of the home unit and IANR, as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy. As appropriate to the appointment, the incumbent will develop a high-impact, nationally and internationally recognized research and teaching program in the theory, methodology, and practice of analyzing complex data sets of interest to IANR-related fields. The apportionment is 50% research and 50% teaching. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Statistics are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
Specific Research Duties (.50 FTE)
Working/collaborating with other researchers who are collecting data in the fields of agronomy, crop science, soil science, animal science, natural resources science, and related areas to ensure maximum information can be extracted from them. These analyses may require the development of novel techniques for data that does not comfortably fit standard models. The successful applicant will be skilled in at least one of the following areas: missing data, un-replicated data, observational data, augmented experimental design in the context of complex data, multitype data, improperly sampled or measured data, dependent data, or a related complex data type.
Connecting with stakeholders, agencies, and/or industry partners to strengthen research and educational programming; effectively obtaining and leveraging external and internal support (grants, fee revenue, etc.) for research and teaching activities; mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; publishing in high-quality, high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and participating in scientific meetings and other appropriate professional activities; and translating research-based information into learner-centered products.
There will also be opportunities for fieldwork to ensure the collection of high-quality data and to collaborate closely with subject matter experts to ensure the analyses address problems that are both urgent and important.
Teaching Duties (.50 FTE)
The incumbent will be expected to teach up to four courses per academic year at the undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. level with topics appropriate to the incumbent’s expertise. One or more of these courses will be online, and part of the teaching apportionment may include helping to develop the Department’s online course offerings.
Other teaching duties include:
Creating scholarly, innovative, and high-impact learning programs and tools.
Mentoring colleagues through professional development, translational research, grants, and professional writing.
Contributing to program and curriculum improvement.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
A Ph.D. in statistics, data science, computer science, engineering, or a closely related field is required. The successful candidate must have experience with consulting or statistical applications in a field of importance to IANR, computational proficiency, and excellent communication skills.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience/interest in collaborating with domain experts (Agronomy, Animal Sciences, Entomology, Natural Resources, Plant Pathology) in fields of importance to IANR on agricultural and natural resources data analysis; evidence of the ability and interest in modern analysis techniques for complex and challenging data; and teaching experience at the university level.
Review of applications will begin March 27, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_230028. Click “Apply to this Job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:
A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.
Your curriculum vitae.
Contact information for three professional references.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination
A Ph.D. in statistics, data science, computer science, engineering, or a closely related field is required. The successful candidate must have experience with consulting or statistical applications in a field of importance to IANR, computational proficiency, and excellent communication skills.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience/interest in collaborating with domain experts (Agronomy, Animal Sciences, Entomology, Natural Resources, Plant Pathology) in fields of importance to IANR on agricultural and natural resources data analysis; evidence of the ability and interest in modern analysis techniques for complex and challenging data; and teaching experience at the university level
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln was chartered as a land-grant university on February 15, 1869, to create opportunity for the state of Nebraska. A proud member of the Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Nebraska is classified within the Carnegie “R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity” category. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at UNL was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 1973 through the enactment of LB149. This legislation culminated more than ten years of discussion by state leaders, University officials and agriculture interests in Nebraska who were concerned that agriculture was not being given proper financial support, administrative access and prominence within the University—especially considering the unquestioned importance and contributions of agriculture and natural resources to the state’s economy and success.
IANR is composed of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR), the Agricultural Research Division (ARD), Nebraska Exte...nsion and the ARD and Extension components of three departments in the College of Education and Human Sciences. IANR innovation in research, teaching, and extension education places Nebraska on the leading edge of food production, environmental stewardship, human nutrition, business development, and youth engagement.
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) prepares students for careers in everything from animals to plants, soil to climate, golf to business, mechanization to leadership, and food to forensic science. Students are prepared for successful careers and a lifetime of informed decisions through the development of food, fuel, water, and landscape systems as models for formal and informal science education.
Agricultural Research Division (ARD) is the only public entity in Nebraska charged with conducting agricultural research vital to Nebraska where agriculture is the leading industry. Many ARD scientists, who currently are working on approximately 300 research projects throughout Nebraska, also hold teaching or extension appointments. That means exciting new discoveries move quickly from the field or laboratory into the classroom and across Nebraska.
Nebraska Extension delivers research-based knowledge Nebraskans can immediately use in their lives, businesses, families and communities. Extension’s key focus areas are animal agriculture, crops for the future, children, youth and families, entrepreneurship, food, nutrition and health, water and environment. Approximately 144,000 Nebraska youth are involved in extension’s 4-H program.
