PhD student in energy and environmental engineering with a focus on artificial intelligence and optical sensors

Mälardalen University (MDU) is the youngest university in Sweden. In line with our vision, to be a progressive and collaborative University where we shape a sustainable future together, we wish to make a difference.

Do you want to be involved and contribute to our development?

Together, we can create a sustainable future through knowledge and innovation. We believe that knowledge and new perspectives are best attained and reached together in collaboration with others – our colleagues, students, the private and public sectors, both nationally and internationally.

At the school of Business, Society and Engineering, our students study for, among other things, university and civil engineers, political scientists and economists. With us, the research focuses are industrial economics and organization and the energy of the future. Our work takes place in collaboration and in strategic agreements with companies, organizations and authorities in the region.

Employment information

Employment: Temporary employment
Scope: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Closing date for application: 2024-06-03
Campus location: Västeras
School: School of Business, Society and Engineering, (EST)

Access to third-cycle courses and study programmes at a higher education education as well as basic eligibility requirements and assessment criteria, are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 7 §§ 34–41(SFS 1993:100). More information about third-cycle studies at MDU

A full-time employment as a doctoral student is attached to this third-cycle studies which corresponds to four years. 

Position description

This PhD student position is one of four positions within our research initiative Farm4Future, which strives to create circular systems and improve the conditions for cultivation in urban environments. The aim is to contribute to advancements in wastewater treatment and resource recovery for sustainable water management and food production. We will work in parallel with different areas that all connect to both Farm4Future and several other nearby research projects. The PhD student will focus on developing and implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms for applications in chemometrics and aquaphotomics. These algorithms will be used to develop soft sensors to enable real-time phenotyping and water quality monitoring, with the eventual goal of utilising these data for crop modelling. This research project’s associated analytical activities include experimentation, modelling, NIR & UV/Vis spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, chlorophyll fluorescence, LiDAR and other sensing techniques. The objectives will be to use real-time sensing and models to optimise indoor farming in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to achieve reduced energy usage, minimise resource waste, implement hyper-circularity, and realise zero waste production. This can be achieved through monitoring plants and water quality, predictive model employment and adjustments in farming operations. The PhD candidate will benefit from a stimulating research environment, close collaboration with experts, and potential teaching and supervision opportunities of master’s and bachelor’s degrees. The position duration is 4-5 years, with adjustments based on departmental duties. Anticipated research outputs include publication in scientific communication platforms, active participation in conferences, and knowledge exchange and engagement with various stakeholders.                                                  

Qualifications

Assessment criteria

Prior to employment, consideration must be given to the ability to assimilate third-cycle courses and study programmes at a higher education. In addition to this capability, particular emphasis will be placed on the following:

• MSc degree in computer science, computer engineering, or data science with a focus on sensor technology and experience in experimental work.




• MSc degree in in Plant Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or equivalent and who demonstrate a strong interest in sensor technology, data science, spectroscopy, hyper-spectral imaging and applied AI/ML




• Experience in using design software for advanced modelling purposes such as R, Matlab, Python, etc.




• Experience in operating optical instrumentation (i.e., UV/Vis, NIR, etc.), as well as instruments used in chemical and biological analyses of plants and water (e.g., HPLC, ICP, GC, etc.)




• Experience in energy and resource optimisation.




• Knowledge in food production systems related to indoor farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA).




• Experience in sensory integration within experimental facilities or industrial production.

Merits:

Good skills in Swedish, both spoken and written.   

In an overall assessment of suitability, emphasis is also placed on personal abilities. All employees at MDU are expected to cooperate and treat colleagues and students with respect, take responsibility for the organisation and their own work duties and contribute to a positive work environment.

We are looking for someone with high motivation and strong initiative. You should be able to work independently and be thorough, structured, analytical, and solution-oriented. Additionally, you need to be clear and engaged in your communication, be an active listener, and receptive to providing feedback. You are focused on achieving goals and strive to deliver high quality, which you achieve through prioritization, planning, and action. You have good project management skills and also need to be flexible and adaptable.

We value the qualities that an even distribution of age and gender, as well as ethnic and cultural diversity, can contribute to the organization.

Application

Application is made online. Make your application by clicking the "Apply" button below.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and will reach the University no later than closing date for application.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Union representatives:

Saco-S saco-s@mdu.se
Susanne Meijer ST-OFR/S, tel: 021-10 14 89

We decline all contact with recruiters and salespersons of advertisements. We have made our strategic choices for this recruitment.