THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The position is located in the USDA-ARS Application Technology Research Unit on the campus of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center/The Ohio State University in Wooster, Ohio. The incumbent will be a member of a research team to develop precision sprayers delivering agrichemicals and bio-products for ornamental nursery and fruit crops. Research responsibility includes:  using advanced laser/image sensors to detect canopy characteristics; writing programs to analyze sensor signals; developing a real-time electro-mechanical control system for variable rate applications; establishing relationships between droplet size and air velocity; and conducting laboratory and field experiments to achieve precise and accurate applications of pest and disease control agents to intended targets.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D. in agricultural engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field is required.  Knowledge of electro-mechanical control design, computer programming, fluid dynamics, instrumentation, and spray formation and transport is desirable. 

INFORMATION ON SALARY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS is available at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Heping Zhu
USDA/ARS
Application Technology Research Unit
Agricultural Engineering Building, OARDC/OSU
1680 Madison Avenue
Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: (330) 263-3871
Fax: (330) 263-3953
Email: heping.zhu@ars.usda.gov