Postdoctoral Scholar in Artificial Intelligence Systems and Applications

University of California - Merced; Merced, California, Village of Avon (CA, MO, NY); On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research opportunity awaits in a leading academic environment. This full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position focuses on advancing agricultural technology through AI and data analytics. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food production processes. You will work closely with a renowned team, leveraging your expertise in machine learning and distributed computing to tackle real-world challenges. If you are passionate about applying your skills to make a significant impact in agriculture, this position offers a unique platform for your career growth.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in relevant fields such as Computer Engineering or Data Science.
• Experience with AI, digital twins, and deep learning is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on AI applications in agriculture and food technology.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor students.

Skills

Machine Learning

Data Analytics

Parallel Computing

Distributed Computing

AI Infrastructure

Digital Twins

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering

Ph.D. in Data Science

Tools

Deep Learning Frameworks

Multispectral Imaging

Job description

Position overview
Position title:
Postdoctoral Scholar

Salary range:
See Table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $66,737.

Percent time:
100%

Anticipated start:
January 2025 or until filled

Position duration:
2 years

Application Window

Open date: November 1, 2024

Most recent review date: Thursday, Feb 13, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

A full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in Dr. Xiaoyi Lu's PADSYS Lab to investigate scalable system software for emerging applications such as precision agriculture, digital twins, deep learning, and so on. The Postdoc will also be focused on advancing agricultural food technology through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, the Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to conduct intellectual research involving parallel and distributed computing, system software design and development for AI and digital twin applications, energy efficiency optimization, and contribute to innovative research aimed at improving food production processes, enhancing food quality, developing sustainable agricultural practices, and developing data-driven strategies for sustainable agriculture. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work under the guidance of the PI, write research articles with the PI aimed at disseminating the obtained results from the research performed in the PADSYS Lab.

Responsibilities of this position will include:

AI and Data Analytics in Agriculture

* Machine learning models for pest and disease prediction

* Crop classification using multispectral imagery

* Digital twin models for farm simulation and management

* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including researchers, industry partners, and stakeholders in the agricultural and food sectors.

* Conduct cutting-edge research on the applications of AI in agricultural food technology.

* Analyze and interpret research findings, and disseminate results through high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations.

*Stay current with technological advancements in AI, and agricultural food

technology, and apply this knowledge to enhancing ongoing research initiatives.

AI and Data Analytics in Agriculture

* Mentor graduate students and undergraduate researchers in the lab.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Data Science or a related field.

Additional qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following: AI infrastructure, digital twins, deep learning systems and models, and distributed computing. Knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices and food systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong record of publications in relevant fields. The ideal candidate should have at least 1-2 peer-reviewed research papers published in prominent HPC venues (e.g., SC, IPDPS, TPDS).

Preferred qualifications

Applicants are preferred to have a strong background in deep learning systems and models. Additional publications in other areas will be a plus.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  
  

• Cover Letter

  
  

• Statement of Research

  
  

• Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion. Please review the UC Merced Diversity Statement Guidelines and UC's Commitment to Diversity

  
  

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link:
https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01832

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Merced

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA