Postdoctoral Scholar in Wireless Networking and Sensing for Smart Agriculture

Position overview

Position title : Postdoctoral Scholar Salary range : See table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $ 66,737 to $71,769. Percent time : 100% Anticipated start : January 2025 or until filled Position duration : 2 Years

Application Window

Open date : October 24, 2024

Most recent review date : Monday, Jan 13, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date : Friday, Oct 24, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

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

Additional qualifications

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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Research

Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion. Please review the UC Merced Diversity Statement Guidelines and UC's Commitment to Diversity

Reference requirements

Apply link : https : / / aprecruit.ucmerced.edu / JPF01831

Help contact : thankston2@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https : / / cie.ucmerced.edu / analytics-hub / student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding 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 Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https : / / merced2020.ucmerced.edu / ).

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

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 : https : / / policy.ucop.edu / doc / 5000695 / VaccinationProgramsPolicy.

Job location

Merced, CA

Salary : $66,737 - $71,769