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

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).

What we offer

As PostDoc at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 according to UFO profile Researcher 3, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4537,00 and €6209,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 2 years subject to annual review. Renewal beyond the initial 2-year appointment possible subject to existence of funding and satisfactory performance. The scope is 1.0 FTE. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

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.

Click here for more information about UM. 

Faculty of Science and Engineering 

At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development.  FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention.  The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).  At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!  

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses  

Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.  

Department of Advanced Computing Sciences

The Department of Advanced Computing Sciences is Maastricht University’s largest and oldest department broadly covering the fields of artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, mathematics and robotics. Over 100 researchers work and study in the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, whose roots trace back to 1987. The department’s staff teaches approximately 1250 bachelor’s and master’s students in 4 specialized study programmes in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Click here for more information. 

Institute of Data Science

The Institute of Data Science performs applied research in data science and artificial intelligence by collaborating across disciplines, institutions, and sectors. The goal of our research is to accelerate scientific discovery, improve clinical care and well-being, and to strengthen communities. We specialise in machine learning, decentralised applications related to biomedical data, as well as promoting the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) principles. IDS is part of the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences. Click here for more information. 

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Professor Christopher Brewster (Christopher.Brewster@maastrichtuniversity.nl) for more information. 

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: 

1. A curriculum vitae that includes the applicant’s publication list.
2. 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.
3. A (co)-authored publication most representative for the job description. 
4. 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.