BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
2-year postdoc in AI and remote sensing for citizen-science pollinator monitoring, at Aarhus University. The successful candidate will integrate our computational entomologist team to develop and deploy novel methods based on cameras, and microcomputers and design a mobile application to help citizen scientists monitor the behaviour, diversity and abundance of pollinators throughout Europe.
Short project description
Pollinators are exceptionally relevant for human food security, the economy, and the functioning of ecosystems. However, data on their abundance, diversity and behaviour remain very sparse. This project is part of an EU-funded Biodiversa+ consortium, “MAkiNg Technology work for moNitoring polliNAtors (ANTENNA)”, which aims to fill the methodological gap in pollinator monitoring.
To increase our monitoring efforts and coverage, the successful candidate will develop three new open-source technologies: (i) an affordable and robust “smart flower”, which detects insects as they land, and images them; (ii) a mobile application that participants (citizen scientists) will use to maintain, extract and upload data from smart flowers; and (iii) advanced AI-algorithms to extract meaningful information (e.g., taxonomy and behaviour) from the recordings, which will operate on the cloud.
This method-driven project involves a very high degree of collaboration with the other members of the ANTENNA consortium and of codesign with citizen scientists. Rather than creating an isolated solution, our overall aim is to provide appropriate modern interoperable methods that complement traditional recording and feed ecological models of pollinator distributions, in near-real-time. Ultimately, the project will help provide much-needed data to inform policies and better preserve biodiversity.
Qualification requirements
A PhD in engineering, physics, quantitative or computation biology, or a related topic.
Working knowledge of object-oriented programming (Python, Java, C++, etc.)
Experience in building custom hardware (CAD, electronics, 3d printing) –ideally,, applied to image acquisition
Practice in adapting, training and validating state-of-the-art deep-learning models – in particular for image/video processing tasks
Ability and willingness to occasionally travel within Europe to deploy and maintain devices
Knowledge and practical experience in field ecology would be a valued asset
- Strong skills in oral and written communication in English
Who we are:
Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG)
QGG, is a major center for research and education in quantitative genetics, genomics and phenomics, at Aarhus University. Within QGG, the Digital Approaches for Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture (DARSA) group, which leads this project, specialises in the development and application of remote-sensing tools and open-source AI methods for agroecological sustainability. QGG is an international research Center with about 70 employees and visiting researchers from over 15 nations. QGG works in teams and strives for an excellent working environment. We therefore value self-leadership, open communication, respect for diversity and success in mentoring, supervision and teaching.
Ecoscience
This project is a close collaboration with the neighbouring Department of Ecoscience . In particular, the Høye Lab, a pioneering group in computational entomology with direct experience in pollinator monitoring, will be closely collaborating on this project.
The ANTENNA consortium
This project is part of a larger consortium, ANTENNA, which brings together leading European scientists from major institutions in Germany (UFZ, coordinators), the Netherlands (Naturalis), Spain (CSIC/UPM), Denmark (AU), Ireland (TCD), and Greece (UAegean). The joint expertise of our consortium covers spatial and community ecology, ecological modelling, computational entomology and pollinator biodiversity.
What we offer
Access to a High-Power Computing facility (hosted by QGG), equipped with dedicated GPUs
An in-house prototyping workshop (electronics, 3d printing, etc.)
A well-connected international network of computational entomologists (e.g., through the EU-funded InsectAI COST Action)
A vibrant local multidisciplinary community of ecologists, entomologists and computer scientists (with members from QGG, Ecoscience, ECE, MPE and Agroecology)
- An outstanding work-life balance as well as an inclusive and supportive work culture
Place of Work
The place of work is C. F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, in the centre of the Aarhus University main campus, and neighbouring highly related departments.
Starting Date and Period
The position is available from 1. March 2024 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position have a duration of 2 years.
Application procedure
Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
Formalities and salary range
Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.
Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Aarhus Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 15-01-2024; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5953896