The School of Sustainable Design Engineering (SSDE) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is seeking a highly-qualified applicant for a post-doctoral position in precision agriculture (PA) technologies. The UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering is devoted to developing engineers with exceptional design and professional skills combined with a global perspective - engineers who are broadly capable, globally and socially aware, creative, communicative, and entrepreneurial. Our graduates are ready from day one to provide sustainable solutions to meet the challenges of our world. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

The focus of this post doctoral appointment will be on developing PA systems to measure and map soil properties and plant characteristics in real time for potato production systems. In particular, the potential candidate will support the research toward the development of PA technologies for variable rate application of agrochemicals in potato fields. This post doctoral fellow will perform tests using a variety of field and laboratory equipment (DGPS, GIS, NDVI, Imaging, etc.); calibrating and maintaining instrumentation; preparing and processing field samples for analysis; participating in the collection of field samples throughout eastern Canada, assisting in data analysis, and preparing scientific reports. The successful candidate will interact with researchers and stakeholders with respect to the related projects.

A candidate for this post-doctoral fellowship must have a PhD in agricultural engineering or related disciplines by the start of the fellowship. The potential candidate should have a demonstrated record of scholarship and a track record of excellence in research. The candidate should have solid background in computer programming and software skills, electronics and instrumentation, and agricultural machinery development. Outstanding hands-on skills, strong computational and problem solving skills, and high level of analytical ability are expected. The candidate should have experience with the operation of laboratory and agricultural equipment, as well as a willingness and ability to work in the field.

The selected applicant must have:

• A  PhD in agricultural engineering or related disciplines
• Significant experiences in precision agriculture technologies
• A good publication record of scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals and major conference in precision agriculture and agricultural engineering
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a multi-disciplinary research team, and to carry out independent individual research to meet project goals
• Advanced written and oral communication skills
• Experiences in scientific writing for preparation of scientific papers for publication and presentations for meetings and/or conferences
• Willingness of cooperating and supporting other researchers in the research lab
• Experience in supervising undergraduate students

This post-doctoral assignment is for one year with the potential for extension for two additional years. A competitive post-doctoral stipend (Range: $35,000 to 43,000/year) will be funded on a per annum basis. Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, list of referees, a statement of interest, and samples of scientific works. The successful applicant will be expected to start in the position as soon as possible. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Aitazaz Farooque (afarooque@upei.ca)

Applications should be sent electronically to:

Aitazaz A. Farooque, PhD, P.Eng
Assistant Professor
School of Sustainable Design Engineering
University of Prince Edward Island
PEI, Canada
Email: afarooque@upei.ca

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment.

Review of applications will begin on September 20, 2017 or until a suitable candidate is identified.