Associate Applications Developer

The AgSensing Laboratory in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University is seeking an Associate Applications Developer to support the development and maintenance of digital agriculture research tools and web-based applications. The successful candidate will assist in enhancing existing laboratory websites, databases, and software applications that support research, education, and outreach activities. This position is a temporary position, less than 1 year assignment and fulltime.

Working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, the Associate Applications Developer will contribute to web application development, research data management, software testing, and visualization of agricultural data. The position also supports the implementation of machine learning-enabled tools and assists with data analyses and reporting for externally funded research projects.

Primary Responsibilities

Web Application Development and Maintenance (60%)

• Support the enhancement and maintenance of existing AgSensing Laboratory websites and web applications.
• Develop and update web-based interfaces, dashboards, and visualization tools that support digital agriculture research.
• Assist with integrating databases, APIs, and cloud-based resources into existing software applications.
• Support implementation, testing, and maintenance of machine learning-enabled tools and web applications under the guidance of the research team.
• Participate in software testing, debugging, documentation, and quality assurance activities.

Research Data Management and Analysis (25%)

• Prepare, organize, and manage research datasets generated from agricultural sensing and digital agriculture projects.
• Conduct statistical analyses and data summarization using established methodologies to support project objectives.
• Assist with data visualization, interpretation of results, and preparation of figures for publications and reports.
• Ensure research data are properly documented, organized, and maintained according to project requirements.

Research Support and Collaboration (15%)

• Assist in preparing technical reports, presentations, and research documentation.
• Participate in manuscript preparation and proposal development as appropriate.
• Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and multidisciplinary research teams to support ongoing research activities.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies relevant to digital agriculture and web application development.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment., * Preference will be given to candidates with one or more of the following: One year or more of relevant experience in software development, web application development, research computing, or related areas. Experience developing web applications using modern front-end and back-end technologies.
• Familiarity with relational or NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts and software development workflows.
• Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Familiarity with U.S. agricultural systems and crop production practices.
• Experience working with GIS, remote sensing, spatial databases, and geospatial web services.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms.
• Experience with Python, JavaScript, R, or related programming languages.
• Experience supporting externally funded research projects.