Position Description

Postdoctoral Scholar Position in the AI Lab at the University of Guelph

Job Title:                      Postdoctoral Scholar 

Position Title:               AI for high-value plant production in Controlled Environment Agriculture

Location:                      University of Guelph

50 Stone Rd E., 

Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1

Application Deadline:   on-going until position is filled

Department / Academic Unit:   School of Computer Science, 

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Description of the Area/Topic of Research:
The AI Lab in the School of Computer Science at the University of Guelph, in collaboration with Dr. Youbin Zheng (School of Environmental Sciences), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to lead cutting-edge research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), high-value plant production in greenhouse agriculture.

This position is part of a multi-disciplinary project to develop and deploy the Autonomous, AI-driven soilless plant production system for sustainable high-value plantproduction in controlled environments. The system will be trained on data collected at the University of Guelph’s Bovey Research Greenhouse and deployed in collaboration with commercial greenhouse partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML algorithm development for predicting plant water and nutrient uptake under varying environmental and growth conditions.
• Analyze multi-source data, including aerial and rootzone environments, fertigation metrics, and crop performance indicators.
• Collaborate with horticulture and engineering teams to refine setpoints for environmental control and optimize plant performance.
• Contribute to publications, funding proposals, and research dissemination at conferences.
• Mentor graduate students and support lab activities.

Lab and Environment

The AI Lab, established in 2024 within the School of Computer Science, focuses on interdisciplinary AI research with a strong emphasis on AI for Health. The School of Computer Science is recognized for excellence in AI, data science, and interdisciplinary research.

To learn more, visit: https://ailab.uoguelph.ca
Learn more about Dr. Zheng’s lab: https://ses.uoguelph.ca/people/youbin-zheng

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related field (within the last 2–3 years).
• Strong background in AI/ML, with experience in Python, PyTorch, and related tools.
• Experience with time-series prediction, control systems, or sensor data analysis is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Start Date:  Flexible, ideally Summer 2025

Duration of Appointment: 1-year initial appointment, renewable for more years based on performance and funding
Anticipated Hours/Days of Work (at time of posting): 35 hours/week (full-time)

Salary Range (Minimum): Salary will be based qualification

Additional Opportunities: Teaching or research assistantships may be available to supplement income

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement:

At the University of Guelph, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We believe that diversity in our research community enhances creativity, innovation, and excellence. Our AI Lab in the School of Computer Science is dedicated to promoting a culture of inclusion that welcomes diverse perspectives and experiences.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including but not limited to women, members of racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and will work with applicants to provide accommodations as needed.

By embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our research and academic endeavors, we aim to create an environment that enriches the quality of life for everyone involved and leads to groundbreaking advancements in AI and health.

How to Apply:

Required Documents/Materials:

• A cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position
• A curriculum vitae (CV) including contact information for two references
• A 2-page research statement describing your relevant experience and interest in AI/ML applications in agriculture or environmental systems

Please combine all documents into a single PDF and email to:
Dr. Ed Sykes
sykes@uoguelph.ca