AI for high-value plant production in Controlled Environment  | Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

AI for high-value plant production in Controlled Environment 

Department: School of Computer Science, CEPS 

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.

Description of Lab/Group/Area 

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 the AI Lab.

General Outline of Duties 

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.

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 & Duration of Appointment: Flexible, ideally Summer 2025, 1-year initial appointment, renewable for a second year based on performance and funding 

Anticipated Hours/Days of Work (at time of posting): 35 hours/day (full-time) 

Benefits: Information about benefits

Supervisor: Dr. Ed Sykes 

Salary Information 

$70,000 CAD/year; Additional Opportunities: Teaching or research assistantships may be available to supplement income

Application Requirements

Documents 

  • cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position
  • curriculum vitae (CV) including contact information for two references
  • 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 

You may be asked to provide copies of your educational credentials at the time of the interview. Upon hire, we require official confirmation of educational credentials and Canadian equivalency assessments, if applicable.

Contact Info

Dr. Ed Sykes, Assistant Professor  
sykes@uoguelph.ca 
(365) 338-3335 

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification and inclusion. 

 

Posting Date: Mon, 04/28/2025

Closing Date: Wed, 12/31/2025