Post-Doctoral Associate - Military Veterans

Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Anticipated Start Date: Mid-Late September 2024
Classification and Title: 9546, Post Doctoral Associate
Percent time: 100%
Term: 12 month, renewable
Department: CFANS GEMS Informatics Center
Supervisor: Bryan Runck, PI Real-time GeoInformation Systems Lab
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Application Deadline : Application review will begin July 8. This position is open for application until filled.

Position Overview : We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Runck Lab. The successful candidate will conduct research focused on one or more of the following areas: data science, geographic information science, and/or internet of things applications in agriculture, as well as perform project leadership.

In addition to research responsibilities, this role requires management responsibilities and offers the opportunity to select one of two specialized training tracks (Principal Investigator Track or Entrepreneur Track) to prepare postdoctoral researchers for their chosen career next steps. Postdoctoral researchers will form their own group of mentors internal and external to the University to support their immediate project objectives as well as long-term career goals.

Runck Lab
The Runck Lab focuses on the science and engineering of real-time geoinformation systems ranging from data collection (hardware, firmware) through to data storage, modeling, and visualization. On-going work focuses on the application of novel spatial machine learning and artificial intelligence models in real-time to support decision-making, the development of novel sensing modalities, and the effects of geovisualization systems on cross-organization decision-making and action.

Funding for the lab comes from diverse sources including recurring funding through the GEMS Informatics Center from the MnDRIVE program, federal grants, state grants, foundations, and private companies. The lab fluctuates between 8 and 12 members with two full-time research staff supporting lab operations and GEMS Sensing, a service organization focused on research support for environmental data collection. Due to the applied and cross-sector nature of R&D, the lab provides an opportunity to directly learn about the unique interests, demands, and operating modes of different organizations.

The GEMS Informatics Center is a joint initiative of the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute and is a highly diverse international and interdisciplinary team of professionals. The Center is re-imagining the relationships between data, institutions, and disciplines to inform and accelerate innovation within the food and agricultural sectors. GEMS broadly seeks to make genomics, environmental, management, and socioeconomic data inter-operable at varying spatial and temporal scales to generate actionable information and promote new innovation partnerships that accelerates and sustains growth in local and global food and agricultural systems.

Position Responsibilities:
Conduct cutting-edge research in agricultural data science, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Manage and oversee research projects, ensuring timely completion of milestones and deliverables.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data scientists, agronomists, electrical engineers, and external partners.
Ensure data quality is maintained throughout the projects' data flow and various levels of oversight and management.
Develop and implement data-driven solutions to improve agricultural practices and outcomes.
Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
Mentor graduate students and assist in the development of research proposals and grant applications.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and institutional guidelines.

Training Tracks:

Principal Investigator (PI) Track:

Focus on academic research with the aim of becoming an independent PI.
Develop skills in research agreements, grant writing, lab management, financial aspects of project management, and academic leadership.
Opportunity to lead research projects and mentor junior researchers.

Entrepreneur Track:

Focus on the commercialization of research and development of startups.
Gain expertise in business planning, business process development, market analysis, and venture capital.
Collaborate with industry partners and participate in entrepreneurial workshops and networking events.

Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, Geographic Information Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related field.
Strong background in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling with proficiency in at least one programming language.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Passion for agricultural innovation and sustainability.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in project management and team leadership.
Experience in sensing systems and leading teams in field data collection.
Experience with SQL for data manipulation and database management.
Experience with agricultural datasets and remote sensing technologies.
Experience working with REST application programming interfaces.
Multiple demonstrated projects using programming languages such as Python and experience building software systems using object-oriented programming techniques.
Demonstrated success in publishing research in high-impact journals.

Compensation : Salary range of $62,000 to $74,000 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process : Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
Cover letter specifying preferred training track (PI or Entrepreneur)
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Statement of research interests and career goals with a clear description of how the candidates prior work will build into the specific position track (PI or Entrepreneur) and lead to next career steps
Contact information for three professional references.

Contact Information : For inquiries, please contact Kris Junker, Administrator, GEMS Informatics at junk0011@umn.edu