Postdoctoral Researcher – AI & Smart Aquaculture Systems

Job DescriptionThe Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for a 2-year A-TRIP funded project titled: “Smart Aqua-PV: A Solar-Powered Digital Twin and AI-Driven Smart Aquaculture Pilot for Sustainable Protein Production in Arid Environments.” The project integrates solar-powered recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), IoT monitoring, digital twin modeling, artificial intelligence optimization, and ultra-low-power underwater sensing in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead the development of AI-driven optimization models and the digital twin framework for the Smart Aqua-PV pilot system. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering a functional AI-enabled aquaculture platform over the 24‑month project period.ResponsibilitiesDevelopment of digital twin models integrating solar energy, RAS dynamics, and sensor dataDesign and implementation of AI algorithms for feeding optimization, water quality prediction, and anomaly detectionIntegration of MIT piezo-acoustic sensing data into the AI frameworkSimulation of operational scenarios (heat stress, power interruption, system disturbances)Data analytics and predictive modeling using machine learning toolsSupervision of graduate students (PhD and MSc)Preparation of high-impact journal publicationsContribution to techno‑economic analysis and scalability modelingParticipation in stakeholder workshops and project disseminationMinimum QualificationsPhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Energy Systems, AI, or a closely related fieldStrong background in machine learning and data‑driven modelingExperience with Python, MATLAB, or similar computational toolsExperience in system modeling and simulationProven publication record in peer-reviewed journalsAbility to manage research tasks independentlyStrong scientific writing and communication skillsPreferred QualificationsExperience in digital twin modelingExperience in IoT data systems or sensor integrationBackground in renewable energy systems or solar PVExperience in aquaculture systems or environmental monitoring (advantageous but not mandatory)Knowledge of optimization algorithms and agent-based modelsExperience in real-time control systemsExperience working on interdisciplinary or international projectsWillingness to collaborate with MIT research team#J-18808-Ljbffr