AI Modeling for Agriculture and Earth System Science Post-Doctoral Associate

This postdoctoral position will be primarily supervised by Dr. Licheng Liu (PI of the Digital Agriculture
Lab, https://umn-digitalag.com) and jointly by Professor John Nieber
(https://bbe.umn.edu/people/john-nieber), working on multiple funded projects from NASA, NSF, DOE,
USDA and FFAR. The position will focus on hybrid AI modeling and agroecosystem sustainability, in
collaboration with the AI-CLIMATE Institute (https://cse.umn.edu/aiclimate). The role involves building
knowledge-guided machine learning (KGML) models for sustainable agricultural practices, developing
AI-ready benchmark datasets, and reducing the uncertainty of national greenhouse gas (GHG)
inventories.

Duties/Responsibilities:

70% Primary Research Focus: This postdoctoral associate will apply advanced knowledge-guided AI-
modeling techniques to expand and enhance the robust monitoring of cropland carbon budgets. This
involves integrating multi-modal data (e.g. remote sensing, eddy-covariance flux tower/chamber
measurements, soil sampling), biogeochemical/physical process-based model, advanced AI algorithms,
and top-down atmospheric inversions. Tasks Include: Developing AI-ready benchmark datasets to aid in
the AI algorithms development/application within earth ecosystem modeling; Developing/implementing
KGML-engaged framework to refine crop land carbon budget estimates and improve management
strategies across the U.S. Heartland; Conducting local, regional, and global simulations to validate
models and methodologies; Collaborating with the AI-CLIMATE institute to reduce uncertainties in
national GHG inventories and develop knowledge-guided foundation models.

20% The postdoc will be expected to lead efforts or collaborate on research reports, peer-reviewed
manuscripts for publication and invention disclosures, and participate in seminars, national and
international conferences when needed. The postdoc is also invited to participate in, or initiate, further
grant proposals to further fund this research.

10% Participation as an active member of the full research team, supporting all tasks as needed to
support the research team as a whole. This includes providing training and mentorship to graduate and
undergraduate students in the lab and participation in all activities or meetings organized by the lab, or
departmental activities where postdoc participation is required.

Required Qualifications:
* Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline such as Earth and atmospheric sciences, environmental science,
hydrology, ecology, computer science, math, statistics, or related fields.
* Strong programming experience (e.g., Python, Fortran, or C++) and familiarity with
supercomputing or cloud platforms.
* Experience with AI/deep learning beyond simple tools (e.g., Random Forest, ANN), particularly in
integrating physical models and AI algorithms.
* Knowledge of process-based models and data assimilation techniques.
* Excellent skills in data visualization and communication.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience in large-scale ecosystem modeling or GHG inventory analysis.
* Experience working on projects with policy or industry applications, particularly in agriculture.
* Demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and collaborate on
interdisciplinary research teams.
* Familiarity with uncertainty quantification and parameter calibration methods.

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE) discovers and teaches solutions for the sustainable use of renewable resources and enhancement of the environment. BBE integrates engineering, science, technology, and management into all degree programs taught by internationally recognized faculty. Our engineering program is accredited under the Biological Engineering criteria of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

To learn more, visit: www.bbe.umn.edu

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).