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University of Florida

Postdoctoral Associate - Digital Twins for Food-Health, and Biosystems in the Gl

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, us, 32635

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Overview Postdoctoral Associate position in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The role affirms community across all dimensions and welcomes applicants who contribute through scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. Accommodations for disability available. Contact 352‑392‑2477 or Florida Relay System 800‑955‑8771 (TDD).

Global Food Systems Initiative The Digital Twin of a developing country food‑health system is a core project of the Global Food System Institute’s Brain Food Initiative, a collaboration between the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the College of Public Health at the University of Florida.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Global Food Systems Institute (GFSI) and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) at the University of Florida. The incumbent will work under Dr. Ziynet Boz on developing digital twins for food, agricultural, and biosystems in emerging and developing economies. The emphasis will be on a digital twin of food‑health biosystems in a Global South country.

The GFSI is an international hub for research, education, and partnerships addressing global food security, sustainability, and resilience. The postdoc will engage with researchers and stakeholders across the U.S. and developing countries to ensure contextual relevance and real‑world applicability of digital twin models.

The postdoctoral researcher will design, implement, and evaluate digital twin frameworks tailored to the unique contexts of emerging economies, including infrastructure limitations, climate stressors, and socio‑economic constraints. The candidate will also support modeling components of related projects, co‑develop grant proposals, utilize the HiPerGator high‑performance computing system, and maintain a strong publication record.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement digital twin frameworks for food‑health biosystems applications in a Global South country (e.g., supply chain resilience, food processing, public health, food safety and security, packaging, agricultural systems).

Integrate diverse data streams (sensor data, IoT, remote sensing, AI/ML pipelines) into simulation and modeling platforms.

Collaborate with GFSI partners and local to global stakeholders to contextualize and apply models in developing country settings.

Lead and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.

Actively support proposal writing and grant development to expand the program’s funding portfolio.

Aid with modeling and systems analysis across related food and biosystems projects in ABE and GFSI.

Utilize the HiPerGator high‑performance computing system to conduct advanced modeling and simulations.

Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in related research activities.

Contribute to a collaborative team environment spanning disciplines and countries.

Background Information The University of Florida is a Land‑Grant, Sea‑Grant, and Space‑Grant institution with over 56,000 students. UF is a member of the Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes multiple colleges, research centers, and statewide extension offices. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, including faculty, research staff, and support personnel.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, AI/ML Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field (degree must be completed by start date).

Demonstrated expertise in modeling and simulation, digital twins, AI/ML, or cyber‑physical systems.

Strong publication record in relevant areas.

Interest in applying computational and systems tools in the context of food systems and emerging economies.

Commitment to the mission of the Land‑Grant system.

Commitment to UF core values.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with digital twin applications in food, agriculture, or biosystems engineering.

Familiarity with optimization, agent‑based modeling, or systems dynamics.

Prior work in interdisciplinary, international, or applied research collaborations.

Strong programming and data integration skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, simulation platforms).

Ability to work both independently and within a team‑oriented, cross‑cultural environment.

Application Process

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

A cover letter describing research interests, qualifications, and interest in working in emerging economies and food systems.

Curriculum vitae.

Contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references.

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an institution outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year‑round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health assessment required: No.

Health Assessment Required No.

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