Postdoc position AI and Digital Work in Agriculture

Job description

Key takeaways

You will take on one of the most ambitious topics in the field of industrialization: digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) with autonomous machines, sensor data, and decision support systems. Despite technological advances, the use of AI technologies remains below expectations in agricultural working practices. Effective use of these novel technologies would enable precision farming as well as sustainable intensification, which can have profound impacts on climate change and economic performance. In this position, you will independently shine light into how novel AI systems transform agricultural work.

The challenge

The research carried out during this PostDoc assignment is expected to contribute to theoretical advancements and practical applications. Tasks the candidate is expected to execute include:

• Advance theory on digital transformation of work from manual labour to knowledge worker in agriculture;
• Deepen the understanding of human-AI work through field research including qualitative (interviews), quantitative (experiments, surveys), and/or computational (digital traces) approaches;
• Develop and validate technical and organizational interventions that help agricultural SMEs adopt novel AI-based technologies successfully;
• Equip SMEs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use AI and succeed in times of machine learning and AI.

As a PostDoc, your key responsibilities will be to manage and carry out independent research and assist in acquiring follow-up funding. You will participate in education, management, and valorization and disseminate research in the scientific community at the highest level.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic team member – a researcher who is driven by curiosity and excellence. Your profile matches the following elements:

• You hold a PhD in information systems, organizational psychology, organizational behaviour, business administration, computer science or engineering with a human-centred focus, or adjacent fields;
• You have an affinity and/or experience with empirical and/or design research methods in information systems (qualitative, quantitative, and/or computational);
• You are committed to research and publishing at the highest level and excel at analysis and writing;
• You possess a strong team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment;
• You carry out independent research and seek collaboration with partners from academia and industry;
• You possess strong communication skills and an excellent command of the English language as well as Dutch/German language due to the nature of the fieldwork.

Our offer

We offer a full-time position for in principle 2 years in a very stimulating scientific environment. The position is to be filled by January 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible. The university and IEBIS offer a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.

• Your starting salary will be between € 3877 and € 5090,- gross per month (scale 10) depending on your experience;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• You will have a minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment;
• You will be the member of a supportive team with decades of scholarly experience in related fields of study into IT-based work, new organizational forms, AI at work, algorithmic management, and the future of work;
• A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You have access to professional and personal development programs;
• You have a high degree of responsibility and independence, while we encourage collaborating with colleagues from IEBIS and other groups;
• Hybrid work arrangements in correspondence with the section's requirements;
• The university assists with visa applications.

Information and application

Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before 30th September and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4) emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications, education, acquired funding, and certifications;
• A piece of text (such as an excerpt of your doctoral thesis/a complete publication, that you are proud of and that serves as a token of your writing and research skills.

Additional information can be acquired via email from Joschka Hüllmann, j.huellmann@utwente.nl.

About the department

The HBE department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements.

The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) aims to play a key role in understanding, jointly developing and evaluating innovations in society. Technological developments are the engine of innovation. As a technical university that puts people first, we tailor them to human needs and behavior and use social engineering to integrate them into society. We also ensure adequate governance at public and private level, and robust, inclusive and fair organizational structures. We do this by developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge in Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences and Health Sciences. Our research and education in these disciplines revolves around tackling and solving societal challenges. The research programs of BMS are closely linked to the research of the UT institutes Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

As an employer, the Faculty of BMS offers work that matters. We equip you to create new possibilities for yourself and for our society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example through our flexible, adaptable benefits.