PostDoc in AI-driven solutions for Climate Breakdown and Food Safety

at  Maastricht University

Do you want to do research on how to apply AI techniques to reduce the impact of climate change on our food production?

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Institute of Data Science (IDS), a research unit within the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS) is looking for a post-doctoral researcher to work on the application of data science and AI methods to address the risks of climate breakdown and its impact on food safety, using knowledge representation, reasoning and machine learning. You will join the Ambrosia project which is developing new tools and techniques to support food producers (farmers) and food processors to manage the risks concerning the interaction between climate change and food safety. The focus of the project is on mycotoxins in grains and enteric diseases in horticulture.
As part of the project, there will be the opportunity to collaborate with a number of partners across Europe, including leading research and technology organisations, as well as specialists in AI, machine learning, food safety, climate change and agrifood related information technology. The focus of the research at Maastricht will be on a) the integration of large-scale heterogenous data sets and models concerning climate projections and food safety risks in order to provide concrete advice to food producers and processors, b) applying deductive and non-deductive reasoning methods to help establish predictive and correlative models concerning food safety and climate change.
Of particular interest are candidates with an interest in the application of data science for the climate-agriculture-food-environment nexus writ large. Candidates with experience in climate data, food safety, or agricultural systems are highly encouraged to apply.
You will also be part of a dynamic research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive network of senior and junior researchers working on a wide range of topics in data science and artificial intelligence.

The position responsibilities will include:

• Conducting data-driven research in data science, knowledge representation and machine learning/deep learning.
• (Co-)authoring scientific, peer-reviewed papers for top conferences and journals. Present your results at conferences and workshops.
• Initiating and participating in research proposal writing.
• Contributing to department teaching activities, including supervision of PhD and MSc students.

REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for an ambitious, innovative, and enthusiastic researcher with:

• PhD degree in computer science or a closely related field.
• Strong computational and data science skills evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience working with heterogenous datasets, good knowledge of semantic technologies.
• Ability to program in Python.
• Excellent ability to write, present and communicate in English (C1 level).

MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY

Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.
In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.
With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.
Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute in whatever role your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

APPLYING?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PostDoc? Apply now, no later than 5 January 2025 for this position.

Please upload a single PDF document consisting of:

• A curriculum vitae that includes the applicant’s publication list.
• A maximum two-page research statement that:
• Presents the candidate’s expertise directly related to the requirements listed above. Of particular interest are experience with knowledge representation, reasoning, and machine/deep learning. Interest or experience in analysing climate data, food or agricultural data is an advantage.
• Describes future research plans in the context of knowledge representation, reasoning and machine/deep learning.
• A (co)-authored publication most representative for the job description.
• The names and contact details of at least two persons who can provide recommendation letters.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
Job Type: Academic
Faculty/Service Center: Faculty of Science & Engineering
Closing date: 5-01-2025
FTE min: 1,0
FTE max: 1,0
Salary min: €4492,00
Salary max: €6148,00
ID job: 1579
Job Type: Academic
Faculty/Service Center: Faculty of Science & Engineering
Closing date: 5-01-2025
FTE min: 1,0
FTE max: 1,0
Salary min: €4492,00
Salary max: €6148,00
ID job: 1579

• Conducting data-driven research in data science, knowledge representation and machine learning/deep learning.
• (Co-)authoring scientific, peer-reviewed papers for top conferences and journals. Present your results at conferences and workshops.
• Initiating and participating in research proposal writing.
• Contributing to department teaching activities, including supervision of PhD and MSc students