Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory Director at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska

Job Description:

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory (NTTL). NTTL is the official tractor testing station for the United States, recognized by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The laboratory conducts comprehensive tests on agricultural machinery to ensure compliance with international standards and plays a pivotal role in advancing agricultural mechanization. NTTL's mission encompasses innovation in testing methodologies, education, and maintaining global partnerships. For more information, visit the NTTL website.



This position, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a 12-month (calendar year) tenure-track or specialty track appointment, and will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the laboratory maintains its global reputation for excellence and innovation. The apportionment is 40% service (Tractor Test Lab Operations); 30% research, and 30% teaching.



Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering are committed to creating learning, research and scholarly activity, 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. 

We invest in our employees through comprehensive benefits including:

• Tuition remission for full-time employees and dependents.


• Retirement plans with university match.


• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay.


• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.


• A diverse, inclusive, and vibrant workplace.

Position Overview


The Director provides strategic and operational leadership to maintain NTTL's global reputation for excellence in tractor and agricultural machinery testing and innovation. This role involves overseeing all programming and testing activities, ensuring alignment with the broader mission and strategic goals of IANR and UNL.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a strategic vision that aligns NTTL's mission with evolving trends in agricultural mechanization, including the rise of electric and autonomous machinery, and other yet-to-be-developed technologies.


• Fostering industry partnerships within and outside the university that align with NTTL's expertise to strengthen NTTL's mission and vision while proactively seeking new opportunities for innovation.


• Driving innovative research and educational efforts to advance the agricultural sector.


• Leading efforts to integrate NTTL's testing protocols with field-level insights from Rogers Memorial Farm (RMF) and cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies developed by Nebraska Future Ag Research & Management Systems (NFARMS).


• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of NTTL, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards, and maintaining and improving testing facilities and equipment. Effective resource and personnel management is essential, involving the prudent and accountable management of NTTL's assets and the recruitment and retention of a diverse team of professionals.

The Director will assume a leadership role within the OECD, representing both NTTL and the interests of the United States in the process of updating tractor test codes and developing new codes to address evolving technology. Given that NTTL is required to utilize OECD test codes, active leadership in the organization is essential for maintaining the lab's global leadership in testing methods and standards.



The Director will be a faculty member in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. The faculty rank and eligibility for tenure or tenure-track will be dependent on the successful applicant's qualifications and will be determined on hire. The incumbent will contribute to the educational mission through teaching, mentoring, and recruitment activities. The Director will lead innovative research and scholarly activity in advancing testing methodologies and emerging technologies such as electric and autonomous machinery, while fostering collaborations with industry and academia. Entrepreneurial leadership will be essential in securing external funding through grants and partnerships, supporting NTTL's role at the forefront of agricultural innovation.



Required Qualifications

• 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 that demonstrates familiarity with tractor testing protocols and the agricultural machinery sector.


• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specific experience in test engineering, particularly within the agricultural machinery or related industries.


• Experience in the tractor industry, with knowledge of industry-specific challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends.


• Expertise in emerging technologies, such as precision agriculture systems, electrification of agricultural machinery, and autonomous systems.


• Proven ability to secure external funding, including industry partnerships, grants, or collaborative agreements.


• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring, with the ability to train and develop future professionals in agricultural engineering and related fields.


• Proven experience in leading research and innovation, including the development of new testing methodologies, advancing technologies such as electric and autonomous tractors, and driving solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability in agricultural mechanization.

Application Process

Review of applications to begin November 25, 2024 and 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_240165. Click "Apply for this Job" and then "Faculty Application." Complete the application and attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job; anticipated contributions to service, research, and teaching; and a statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating 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.


2. Your curriculum vitae.


3. Contact information for three professional references.

Employment-based permanent residency sponsorship may not be available for this position now or in the future.

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://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.