Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory Director

University of Nebraska - Lincoln, NE

Full-time - Senior

Lincoln, NE

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to maintain the laboratory's global reputation for excellence in tractor and agricultural machinery testing. This role involves overseeing testing activities, developing innovative research and educational efforts, and fostering industry partnerships to advance agricultural mechanization. The position is tenure-track or specialty track and includes responsibilities in service, research, and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision that aligns NTTL's mission with evolving trends in agricultural mechanization.
• Foster industry partnerships to strengthen NTTL's mission and vision while seeking new opportunities for innovation.
• Drive innovative research and educational efforts to advance the agricultural sector.
• Lead efforts to integrate NTTL's testing protocols with field-level insights and precision agriculture technologies.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of NTTL, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining testing facilities and equipment.
• Manage resources and personnel effectively, including recruitment and retention of a diverse team.
• Assume a leadership role within the OECD, representing NTTL and the interests of the United States in updating tractor test codes.
• Contribute to the educational mission through teaching, mentoring, and recruitment activities.
• Lead innovative research in testing methodologies and emerging technologies, fostering collaborations with industry and academia.
• Secure external funding through grants and partnerships to support NTTL's role in agricultural innovation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in agricultural engineering or a related field and five years of industry experience with familiarity in tractor testing protocols and the agricultural machinery sector (non-tenure track) OR Ph.D. degree in agricultural engineering or a related field (tenure-track).
• Experience managing complex operations, including compliance with industry regulations, oversight of personnel, and resource management.
• Proven success in building and maintaining industry partnerships to support organizational goals.

Nice-to-haves

• Specific experience in test engineering within the agricultural machinery or related industries.
• Experience in the tractor industry, with knowledge of industry-specific challenges and emerging trends.
• Expertise in emerging technologies, such as precision agriculture systems and autonomous systems.
• Proven ability to secure external funding, including industry partnerships and grants.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring future professionals in agricultural engineering.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance