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Post-Doctoral Associate - AI Breeding

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Posting Details

Position Details

Posting Number G/R24735P
Working Title Post-Doctoral Associate - AI Breeding
Department CAES-Applied Genetic Tech Ctr
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
About the College/Unit/Department
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
College/Unit/Department website https://www.caes.uga.edu/
Employment Type Employee
Additional Schedule Information
M-F 8AM-5PM. Some weekends and nights for travel during peak seasons.
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2024
Posting Date 03/06/2024
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy Athens Area
EOO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
Conduct original research in the field of artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on predictive plant breeding.

Percentage of time 25
Duties/Responsibilities
Develop innovative algorithms, models, and techniques to tackle complex challenges in product design for plant breeding.

Percentage of time 20
Duties/Responsibilities
Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team to integrate AI solutions into practical applications within the field of plant breeding.

Percentage of time 20
Duties/Responsibilities
Design a user-friendly interface to support AI plant breeding efforts.

Percentage of time 20
Duties/Responsibilities
Publish research findings in esteemed conferences and journals.

Percentage of time 10
Duties/Responsibilities
Remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI research and actively contribute to the intellectual environment of the research group.

Percentage of time 5

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA Exempt
UGA Job Code
FTE 1.00
Minimum Qualifications
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Researcher/Scientist specializing in AI plant breeding. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research projects in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), with a primary focus on predictive plant breeding/product design. This includes tasks such as predicting superior cross combinations for cultivar/inbred development based on the genotypes and phenotypes, and designing/implementing a user-friendly interface to support the development of plant cultivars/hybrids across multiple crops, such as soybean, peanut, wheat, cotton, vegetables etc.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position
• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field, with a specialization in artificial intelligence or machine learning.
• Profound experience/expertise in applying AI methodologies, such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, etc.
• Experience working with popular deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Previous publications in top-tier AI conferences and journals would be advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and a track record of conducting independent research.
• Strong communication abilities and the capacity to collaborate effectively in a research team environment.
Physical Demands
Sitting for long periods of time at a computer in an office environment.
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Is driving a requirement of this position? No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Zenglu Li
Recruitment Contact Email zli@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Sample Publications
  3. List of References with Contact Information
  4. Unofficial Letters of Recommendation