PhD position in artificial intelligence in agriculture

At the Department of Energy and Technology, research and education are conducted focusing on how agriculture can contribute to a sustainable society. We have extensive expertise in technology and systems for sustainable production, including development of digital tools for agricultural product monitoring. Within the field of digitalization, we have extensive competence in artificial intelligence, machine learning, machine vision and robotics, as well as Biometrics (statistics and mathematics with applications in biological systems).

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

The agriculture sector is increasingly focusing on advanced digital technologies to adapt to environmental and operational challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems are transforming agricultural practices to smarter and more efficient farming systems. In this context, machine vision is crucial for field and crop health monitoring, allowing for the detection and response to crop issues in real-time. These technologies are creating new opportunities in agriculture, especially when integrated with autonomous machines that optimize resource use, enhance productivity, and ensure sustainable practices by enabling accurate and individual monitoring.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to focus on developing robust and adaptive AI models based on agricultural imaging data (e.g., digital, multispectral and/or hyperspectral) from dynamic and complex environments across different scenarios tailored for Swedish farming systems. A particular focus would be developing machine vision models with generative machine learning techniques and/or multimodal learning to enhance the monitoring and scoring ability of AI models in agriculture.

Required:

• Master’s degree in agricultural engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Solid programming skills (e.g. Python, OpenCV and/or MATLAB)
• Experience in machine vision and optical sensors application (e.g., digital, multi or hyperspectral imaging)
• Good English language skills, both written and spoken

Meriting:

• Demonstrated ability and interest to work independently and collaborate with agricultural scientists/farmers
• Proficiency in formulating research problems, objectives, and questions
• Documented experience in relevant research methodologies (AI and machine vision)
• Documented experience of (co-)authoring academic publications

Uppsala, Sweden

Employment 4 years (100%).

According to agreement.

Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-09-02.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Contact person

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