Postdoctoral Researcher in Digital Innovations for Smallholder Farms

Job details

Job Description: Position Purpose: Applications for a postdoctoral researcher opening are invited for a European-funded research project that explores digital innovations for smallholder farm production. The postdoc will act as a team lead, working along expert faculty, PhD students and research associates to help answer questions on: • The use of ICT-driven technologies for demand-based irrigation systems, and how data and information need to be disseminated and aggregated to promote equity. • Critical evaluation of remote sensing-based vegetation status products at different resolutions, in order to support the timely decision-making process of smallholder farmers. • How to translate data products for smallholder farmers with available digital tools, what kind of digital tools are operational or under development by solution providers and what tools and information are needed? This is a full-time position for 12 months with a 3-month probationary period. The position is available from December 1st, 2026, and extendable for up to 24 months based on performance. External support for this position comes from a 3-year project funded by the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). Selected applicants will receive all necessary privileges, such as access to the library, sports facilities, laboratories, IT resources, dedicated office space, and subscription to the university mailing lists. Main Responsibilities: Lead technical activities related to project outcomes, program management, reporting and liaison with partners. In particular, lead the technical components of the project related to: • Equity quantification for demand-based water systems using system modelling, simulation and verification. • Performing field measurements and executing surveys with farmers, complemented with remote-sensing-based analyses of water productivity. • Critical Evaluation of derived crop status indicators from remote sensing and mathematical modelling. • Technology assessment of existing products and services. Project team will consist of an expert faculty, postdoctoral researcher, research assistant and PhD student at LUMS. Opportunities for travel and exchanges with international partners (University of Hildesheim and Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development) are also likely. As a postdoc in WIT Centre’s research ecosystem, the selected candidate is expected to participate in WIT’s general activities in precision agriculture areas, co-supervision of students. Although not required for this position, the fellowship may be upgraded to an adjunct faculty position if there is an interest to teach courses at LUMS. Postdocs at LUMS are also eligible to apply for external and internal competitive grants as co-PIs. Travel/Work Schedule: • Bimonthly or quarterly travel to rural sites in Central and Southern Punjab for data collection or other program activities. • Standard 40 hours per week Qualification: PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources or Agriculture with a publication record. Leadership/team management in either education or industry. Knowledge: • Modelling & simulation • Geo-spatial inference & learning • Machine learning & statistical analysis • IoTs, UAVs and electronic instrumentation Skills and Attributes: • Programming proficiency (MATLAB, Python..) • GIS tools and data analytics • Meeting deadlines • Good communication skills • Writing and reporting • Ability to understand and appreciate end-user / stakeholder perspective. Application Instructions: Interested candidates must email their applications to hrwit@lums.edu.pk with a copy of their CV, academic transcripts, PhD thesis, research papers and a list of references. Use the subject line ‘Application for Postdoc – SMALLPAK’. For any informal queries or clarifications, please email us at abubakr@lums.edu.pk. Consideration and selection of the candidates will be on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The candidate can join at their earliest convenience.