Postdoc Opportunity on the Development of Systems Biology Tools for Crops Resilience

Postdoc Opportunity on the Development of Systems Biology Tools for Crops Resilience

Do you want to be part of the development of resilient crops that require no inputs that negatively impact our planet, and contribute to healthy life? Then you could be the ideal candidate to join our new, interdisciplinary research institute CropXR! 🌱

Job description

With a budget of 96 million Euro over the next decade, CropXR focuses on creating eXtra Resilient (XR), sustainable, and climate-adaptive crops. By combining plant biology, simulation modelling, and artificial intelligence we aim to develop ‘smart breeding and cultivation’ methods to speed up breeding for complex resilience traits in different growing systems for several crops. This collaborative effort involves four universities, numerous companies, and encompasses scientific research, data collection and sharing, education, and practical applications in agriculture and plant breeding.

This position is a collaboration between DCSC and KeyGene focused on the development of methodological and theoretical tools for the construction of data-driven models of the intricate biological mechanisms responsible for the resilience of crops. Part of the focus will be devoted to the development of novel approaches to guide the prioritization of genes, identification of clusters thereof, and the construction of software tools to support biologists in this scientific endeavor.

KeyGene leverages cutting-edge data science technologies for Crop Innovation. Their interdisciplinary team excels in applying innovative methods using machine learning and AI to address data challenges in genomics, trait research, digital phenotyping, and breeding. They are committed to transforming and accelerating crop innovation to meet the advanced technological needs of their customers. The selected candidate is expected to spend 20% of his/her time at the KeyGene premises. The details of this schedule are to be determined with the selected candidate.

The Delft Centre for Systems and Control (DCSC) coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at the Delft University of Technology. The Centre's research mission is to conduct fundamental research in systems dynamics and control, involving dynamic modelling, advanced control theory, optimisation and signal analysis. The research is motivated by advanced technology development in physical imaging systems, robotics and transportation systems.

Job requirements

• We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree in systems and control, computer science, or applied mathematics with a focus on formal verification and/or control, and a strong interest in inter-disciplinary research.
• Experience with hybrid systems and the field of formal verification and synthesis in general, is a strong asset.
• The candidate must have strong analytical skills and must be able to work at the intersection of several research domains.
• A very good command of the English language is required, as well as excellent communication skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 🌍

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focuses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Manuel Mazo, m.mazo@tudelft.nl, Dr. Luca Laurenti, l.laurenti@tudelft.nl.