Postdoctoral Scholar in Wireless Networking and Sensing for Smart Agriculture

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join our research team focused on the development and implementation to build a Long Range (LoRa) network system tailored for agricultural applications and conducting experiments in our 45-acre experimental smart farm. This role will involve conducting experiments to evaluate the performance of the network in real-world agricultural settings, aiming to enhance efficiency, productivity, and data-driven decision-making in smart farming. The Postdoctoral scholar should have expertise in wireless communication technologies, IoT systems, and a keen interest in applying these technologies to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability. The scholar will conduct scientific research under the supervision of Dr. Wan Du.

Responsibilities of this position will include:

* Network design and implementation, design and build a LoRa network infrastructure suitable for agricultural environments. Select appropriate hardware and sensors for data collection. Configure and deploy LoRa gateways and end devices.

* Experimentation and Data Collection, conduct field experiments to evaluate the performance of the LoRa network under various agricultural conditions. Collect and analyze data from deployed sensors to assess network reliability, range, and data integrity. Collaborate with agronomists and farmers to identify key metrics and requirements for smart agriculture.

*System Integration, integrate various sensors and devices within the LoRa network to facilitate data transmission and enhance decision-making processes for the experimental smart farm team.

* Research and Development, contribute to the development of new sensing technologies and methodologies for agricultural applications. Field testing and validation.

* Collaboration and Communication, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, agronomists, and software developers. Prepare and present research findings at conferences, workshops, and seminars. Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals.

*Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research projects.

A Doctoral degree (or equivalent) in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Strong experience in system development, such as deploying a wireless network in an application, and/or conducting experiments on a real testbed.

A record of academic accomplishments including published or in-press research in the field.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and critically.

• 3 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.