The School of Climate Change and Adaptation & the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is seeking a highly qualified applicant for a post-doctoral fellow position in precision agriculture (PA) technologies and water management. The UPEI’ School of Climate Change and Adaptation is a new 45,000 square-foot research facility being built in the community of St. Peter’s Bay, Prince Edward Island (PEI). The facility and the lands surrounding it will serve as a living laboratory that allows for unlimited access to nearby wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats. The Centre will be a world leader in understanding and adapting to climate change impacts in relation to food security and sustainability.

The focus of this post-doctoral fellow appointment will be on developing climate smart agriculture practices to measure and map soil properties and plant characteristics in real time for agriculture system. In particular, the potential candidate will support the research toward the development of smart technologies to ensure food security and sustainability. This post-doctoral fellow will perform tests using a variety of field and laboratory equipment; hydrological modelling, water balance, soil health, mitigation strategies for climate change, computational and GIS analysis, 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, manuscript writing, and preparing scientific reports. The successful candidates will interact with researchers and stakeholders with respect to the related projects.

Qualifications: 

The candidates for this post-doctoral fellowship must have a PhD in agricultural engineering/water resource management or related disciplines by the start of the fellowship. The potential candidates 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 candidates should have experience with the operation of laboratory and agricultural equipment, as well as a willingness and ability to work in the field.

• A PhD in agricultural engineering/water resource management or related disciplines
• Significant experiences in smart agriculture practices
• A good publication record of scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals and major conference in precision agriculture/agricultural engineering/water resources
• 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 to cooperate and support other researchers in the research lab
• Experience in supervising undergraduate students

Application Instructions:

This post-doctoral assignment is for two years. A competitive post-doctoral stipend ($45,000/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

Applications should be sent electronically to:

Aitazaz A. Farooque, PhD, P. Eng.
Associate Dean (Interim)
School of Climate Change and Adaptation
Director: Centre of Excellence in Food Security and Sustainability
University of Prince Edward Island
PEI, Canada
Email: afarooque@upei.ca

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Review of applications will begin on August 4, 2022 until a suitable candidate is identified.