Postdoc position AI and Digital Work in Agriculture
We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious PostDoc researcher who will help advance our cumulative knowledge on the AI-enabled transformation of small and medium enterprises in the domain of agriculture. The successful applicant will join the enthusiastic research team in the Industrial Engineering and Business Information Systems (IEBIS) section of the High-tech Business & Entrepreneurship Department (HBE) at the Faculty of Behavioural, Management, and Social Sciences (BMS).
Key takeaways
You will take on one of the most ambitious topics in the field of industrialization: digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) with autonomous machines, sensor data, and decision support systems. Despite technological advances, the use of AI technologies remains below expectations in agricultural working practices. Effective use of these novel technologies would enable precision farming as well as sustainable intensification, which can have profound impacts on climate change and economic performance. In this position, you will independently shine light into how novel AI systems transform agricultural work.
The challenge
The research carried out during this PostDoc assignment is expected to contribute to theoretical advancements and practical applications. Tasks the candidate is expected to execute include:
- Advance theory on digital transformation of work from manual labour to knowledge worker in agriculture;
- Deepen the understanding of human-AI work through field research including qualitative (interviews), quantitative (experiments, surveys), and/or computational (digital traces) approaches;
- Develop and validate technical and organizational interventions that help agricultural SMEs adopt novel AI-based technologies successfully;
- Equip SMEs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use AI and succeed in times of machine learning and AI.
As a PostDoc, your key responsibilities will be to manage and carry out independent research and assist in acquiring follow-up funding. You will participate in education, management, and valorization and disseminate research in the scientific community at the highest level.
Information and application
Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before 30th September and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4) emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications, education, acquired funding, and certifications;
- A piece of text (such as an excerpt of your doctoral thesis/a complete publication, that you are proud of and that serves as a token of your writing and research skills.
Additional information can be acquired via email from Joschka Hüllmann, j.huellmann@utwente.nl.
About the department
The HBE department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements.
The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) aims to play a key role in understanding, jointly developing and evaluating innovations in society. Technological developments are the engine of innovation. As a technical university that puts people first, we tailor them to human needs and behavior and use social engineering to integrate them into society. We also ensure adequate governance at public and private level, and robust, inclusive and fair organizational structures. We do this by developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge in Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences and Health Sciences. Our research and education in these disciplines revolves around tackling and solving societal challenges. The research programs of BMS are closely linked to the research of the UT institutes Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
As an employer, the Faculty of BMS offers work that matters. We equip you to create new possibilities for yourself and for our society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example through our flexible, adaptable benefits.