Postdoctoral Researcher - AI & Smart Aquaculture Systems

Job Description

The 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.

Responsibilities

• Development of digital twin models integrating solar energy, RAS dynamics, and sensor data
• Design and implementation of AI algorithms for feeding optimization, water quality prediction, and anomaly detection
• Integration of MIT piezo-acoustic sensing data into the AI framework
• Simulation of operational scenarios (heat stress, power interruption, system disturbances)
• Data analytics and predictive modeling using machine learning tools
• Supervision of graduate students (PhD and MSc)
• Preparation of high-impact journal publications
• Contribution to techno-economic analysis and scalability modeling
• Participation in stakeholder workshops and project dissemination

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Energy Systems, AI, or a closely related field
• Strong background in machine learning and data-driven modeling
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar computational tools
• Experience in system modeling and simulation
• Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to manage research tasks independently
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in digital twin modeling
• Experience in IoT data systems or sensor integration
• Background in renewable energy systems or solar PV
• Experience in aquaculture systems or environmental monitoring (advantageous but not mandatory)
• Knowledge of optimization algorithms and agent-based models
• Experience in real-time control systems
• Experience working on interdisciplinary or international projects
• Willingness to collaborate with MIT research team

Special Instructions to Applicant

• A detailed CV
• Evidence of prior experience in machine learning, system modeling, or energy systems
• PDF copies of 2 representative journal publications

Application Deadline

01/08/2026