Research Associate, Plant Science

University of Manitoba

The Department of Plant Science invites applications for a full-time Research Associate position, commencing 2025-08-01 or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Department of Plant Science offers educational and research programming across areas such as sustainable cropping systems, agronomy, plant physiology, breeding and genetics. Since 1937, we have been internationally recognized for plant science research and are proud to be the home of the first canola variety ever developed.

The Research Associate will conduct independent research under the purview of Drs. Dilshan Benaragama and Rob Gulden ‘s research program.
Drs. Benaragama and Gulden are working on multiple projects on developing remote sense tools for agronomy and weed science disciplines. Research activities include gathering drone-based optical and non-optical remote sensing (RGB, Multispectral, and LiDAR) data that will be used to model crop and weed growth over the growing season under diverse crop and weed management practices, developing data processing pipelines for remote sense data and developing machine learning solutions for predicting crop and weed growth.

Responsibilities:
• Work in a collaborative team environment, under the general direction of Drs. Dilshan Benaragama and Rob Gulden, to achieve the goals of associated research grant funding requirements
• Conduct academic literature reviews and associated writing tasks
• Analyze and pre-process remote sensing drone and satellite data, as well as RGB, multispectral, and LiDAR data for use in machine learning models
• Conduct statistical data analysis
• Draft technical reports
• Assist in graduate student projects
• Contribute to academic and popular publications related to project research; and
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
• The candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, Agronomy or Environmental Science.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and efficiently to meet deadlines; and
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications:
• Formal training in GIS and remote sensing techniques in plant and or soil related disciplines
• Experience working with digital images and remote sensing data
• Experience in developing machine learning applications for data and images
• Experience working with geospatial datasets
• Knowledge and experience with Python and or R languages
• Knowledge and experience with geospatial software like ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine etc.

Opportunities for Trainees:
• Joining a multidisciplinary team and working with experts in agriculture, plant science, soil science, and computer science
• Gaining broad knowledge of both the computational and agricultural aspects of the digital agriculture field
• Solving problems that directly link machine learning theory to real-world applications
• Gaining machine learning development experience
• Presenting at international conferences
• Publishing in international peer-reviewed journals

Duration: Up to three (3) years with the possibility of further extension.
If you do not posses any of the required qualifications requested, please do not apply to this position.

We value equity, diversity, and inclusiveness: We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, and experiences to apply.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of groundbreaking research at the forefront of agricultural innovation! Join us as we pave the way for digital and machine learning supported improvements to sustainable weed management practices in Western Canada.

Application Process: Interested candidates are asked to submit a CV and a statement of research interests to digital.weedscience@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Only applicants of interest will be contacted.
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

About UM:
The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.