Postdocs in Digitalization and Operations Optimization in Smart Farming at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aarhus University

Aarhus University, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is inviting applications for vacancies as two-year Post-Docs in Digitalization and Operations Optimization in Smart Farming. The scientific work relates to a number of projects that deals with innovative data-based technologies, including digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, optimization and logistics, and remote sensing for Smart Farming and the Green Transition of the Agro-Food system.
Expected start date and duration of employment
November 2024 or as soon as possible with a duration of 2 years.
Job description
The postdoctoral projects will focus on development and advancement of data-based technologies and IoT in Smart Farming systems. The main tasks include: 1) operations optimization (logistics, route planning, supply-chain management); 2) the application of remote sensing (satellites, drones, etc.) through AI and machine learning; 3) validation and feasibility of the introduced technologies through full-scale experiments and simulations, sustainability assessments, etc.
Research area include:

• Advance relevant data-based technologies and smart modelling and optimization techniques for the Agro-Food domain.
• Adopt theoretical research results (algorithmic developments, data mining techniques, etc.) to feasible practical solutions
• Integrate the developed techniques with modern ICT/IoT and other digitalization systems
• Cooperation with other research groups/industry partners addressing coordination and acquisition of new research projects and funding

Your profile
Applicants should hold a PhD in technical sciences/computer engineering or similar.
The following qualifications are particularly important:

• Technical science or technical education (e.g. specialization in electrical engineering, mathematics or computer science) with research experience and competences within operations research/management, programming software, modelling, etc.
• Strong background in Operations Research/Management and Optimization Modelling.
• Programming skills (Java, MatLab, Git, etc.)
• Ability and interest in teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation. Domain knowledge on biological production systems is a requirement.
• Ability to communicate and disseminate research results to research environments, society and industry.
• Ability to participate in the further development and advancement of the research within Operations Management including funding acquisition.

Who we are
The successful candidate is employed in the Section of Communication, Control and Automation, which is a part of Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Researchers in the section develop Cognitive and Development Robotics, Network Computing, Communications and Storage, Networks and Analytics, and Operations Management. The research activities contribute to application of innovative technologies in various domains (e.g. Agri-food) and contribute to improved management and sustainability of production systems. The work involves knowledge of computer engineering, data analytics, modelling, and transformations in natural and engineered ecosystems. Link: Section.
What we offer
The department offers:

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
• an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment
The place of work is AU-Viborg, Blichers Alle 20, 8800 Viborg and occasionally at Finlandsgade 10, 8200 Aarhus, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.
Contact information
For further information, please contact: Professor Claus G. Sørensen, [email protected], +4522827547
Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 1 October 2024.

Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
Formalities and salary range
Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/

Department: Communication, Contr. and Autom./Communication, Contr. and Autom.

Deadline: 01 October 2024

Location: Aarhus N Finlandsgade 22