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 include: • 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 The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering a functional AI-enabled aquaculture platform over the 24-month project period.

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