Postdoc of Machine Learning of Mass Spectrometry data for Crop Analysis

Postdoc of Machine Learning of Mass Spectrometry data for Crop Analysis
DIKU
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Computer Science (DIKU) invites applications for a joint two-year postdoc position within the field of computational chemometrics with start 1 February 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position will be hoisted at The Image Section at DIKU, Professor Mads Nielsen in close collaboration with  Professor Jan H Christensen, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

The candidate will be expected to conduct research in modelling the relation between mass spectrometry data from crop sampled in research fields for relation to crop diseases and yield. Data are collected in the MATRIX consortium for multi channel imaging, chromatography and mass spectrometry, metagenomics and genetics. This post doc will together with the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Professor Jan H Christensen be pivotal for realizing the machine learning potential of chromatography and mass spectrometry data from the 60 mio DKK project, and will collaborate with the other data analysis partners in the project specialising in the other data sources. Expected methodologies are Feed Forward Neural Networks, Variational Autencoders, Generative Advisarial Networks and potentially time resolved models. Special focus will be on disentanglement of syntax and semantics and predictive modelling. The candidate is expected to some degree to engage in teaching and supervision and the post may also include performance of other duties.   

The position is advertised in connection to a newly established multidisciplinary program, The MATRIX: “Microbiome Assisted Triticum Resilience In X-dimensions”, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, to address the taxonomic diversity and functional potential of the wheat phyllosphere microbiome. Today, more than one third of crop yields are lost due to abiotic and biotic stress factors, such as drought, salinity, pests and disease. In the MATRIX program several key microorganisms and regulatory mechanisms involved in wheat growth promotion and protection against biotic and abiotic stresses will be identified. By combining new microbiome-assisted approaches with machine learning and predictive modelling the MATRIX aims to quantitate and predict microbiome-mediated changes and their effect on wheat resilience and productivity under various climate change scenarios, which can be used as a novel tool to improve future wheat yield management strategies.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or similar qualifications within computational machine learning, or other relevant research fields. Experience in programming is strongly desirable. Also, experience within the field of biological applications and crop analysis are preferred.  

The candidate is expected to be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary academic environment conduction research and teaching at the highest international level. The position, therefore, requires a highly motivated scientist who is comfortable working in teams, have good interpersonal skills, as well as a collaborative and open mind-set.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within machine learning as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Mads Nielsen [email protected]  

The position is open from 1 February 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 26 October 2021, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.