UAV Phenotyping Manager

The UAV Phenotyping Manager will lead the development, execution, and maintenance of a UAV-based data collection and analysis pipeline for high-throughput phenotyping in agronomic crops including soybean, wheat, oat, and barley within the University of Minnesota plant breeding programs. The position will oversee UAV flight operations, sensor calibration, image processing workflows, and analytical pipelines for extracting agronomic traits such as canopy cover, plant height, biomass proxies, stress responses, and maturity indicators. The successful candidate will work closely with breeding program faculty, staff, and students to integrate UAV-derived phenotypes with field trial data and genomic information to improve breeding decision-making and research outcomes, and will prepare reports and summaries that communicate UAV-derived insights to breeding program stakeholders.

Desired Appointment Dates: Start: June 1, 2026; Renewable annually thru May 30, 2028

Job Duties

40% - UAV Operations and Data Acquisition

• Plan and execute UAV flight missions across breeding nurseries and field trials.
• Manage UAV platforms and sensors, including routine maintenance, calibration, repair coordination, and troubleshooting of UAV hardware and payload systems.
• Ensure proper calibration and data quality, and coordinate data collection across multiple crop species and locations.
• Maintain compliance with FAA regulations and relevant institutional, state, and federal UAV policies, and ensure safe UAV operations.

35% - Image Processing and Phenotyping Pipeline Development

• Develop and maintain automated workflows for processing UAV imagery, including orthomosaic generation, plot extraction, and trait quantification.
• Implement computational pipelines using tools such as R, Python, GIS software, and photogrammetry platforms to generate reliable plot-level phenotypic datasets suitable for plant breeding analysis.

15% - Training, Documentation, and Dissemination

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for UAV data collection and analysis workflows.
• Train faculty, technicians, and students in UAV-based phenotyping methods and data processing tools.
• Contribute to publications, presentations, and reports describing the development and application of UAV phenotyping systems.

10% - Data Integration and Analytical Support

• Integrate UAV-derived phenotypic data with existing breeding datasets, including field observations and genomic information.
• Work with breeding teams to generate analytical summaries, visualizations, and decision-support metrics to improve selection and advancement decisions within breeding programs.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. degree in Plant Breeding/Genetics, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Geospatial Science, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or a related field with one or more years of research training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Plant Breeding/Genetics, Plant Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Geospatial Science, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or a related field with at least three years of experience in UAV operations and image analysis.
• Experience with multispectral or hyperspectral sensors
• Familiarity with agricultural field experiments and plant breeding programs
• Proficiency in R, Python, or similar programming languages for image processing and data analysis
• Experience with GIS tools and photogrammetry software (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft, or similar)
• Experience managing UAV hardware platforms, sensors, and field-deployable data collection systems, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• FAA Part 107 certification (or ability to obtain).

The Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics has 25 faculty members with strength in breeding, genetics/genomics, biotechnology, agronomy/agroecology, weed science and crop physiology. Faculty research programs are focused on improvement of traditional and emerging crops and developing agronomic practices for crops that are of key importance to agriculture in the upper Midwest and beyond. Faculty in the department are members of the Applied Plant Sciences, Plant and Microbial Biology, and other graduate programs. The faculty teach in the Plant Science and Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture interdepartmental undergraduate programs and the Applied Plant Sciences graduate program.

Pay Range: $80,500 - $82,500 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment, 12-Month

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following required application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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