The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Abu Dhabi for a 2-year A-TRIP funded project titled “Smart Aqua-PV: A Solar-Powered Digital Twin and AI-Driven Smart Aquaculture Pilot for Sustainable Protein Production in Arid Environments.” This pioneering research integrates solar-powered recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), IoT monitoring, digital twin modelling, AI optimisation, and ultra-low-power underwater sensing in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Apply before 1 August 2026.
About UAEU & the Smart Aqua-PV Project
Institution: United Arab Emirates University — Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Funding: A-TRIP funded project — 2-year research appointment
International Partner: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — piezo-acoustic sensing integration
Research Goal: AI-enabled aquaculture platform combining solar PV, digital twin modelling, IoT, and machine learning for sustainable food production
What Makes This Research Role Unique
Interdisciplinary: Spans AI, energy systems, aquaculture, IoT, and environmental engineering in one project
MIT Collaboration: Direct integration of MIT piezo-acoustic sensor data into the AI and digital twin framework
Publication Impact: Preparation of high-impact journal publications across top-tier academic venues
Global Significance: Addressing sustainable protein production in arid environments with scalable AI-driven solutions
Position Overview
This Postdoctoral Researcher leads the development of AI-driven optimisation models and the digital twin framework for the Smart Aqua-PV pilot system. Responsibilities include developing digital twin models integrating solar energy, RAS dynamics, and sensor data; designing AI algorithms for feeding optimisation, water quality prediction, and anomaly detection; integrating MIT piezo-acoustic sensing data; simulating operational scenarios; conducting predictive modelling with machine learning tools; supervising graduate students; preparing journal publications; contributing to techno-economic analysis; and participating in stakeholder workshops.
Why This Role Matters: As Postdoctoral Researcher at UAEU, you lead the AI and digital twin development for a globally significant research project at the intersection of renewable energy, food security, and machine learning, collaborate directly with MIT on sensor data integration, supervise PhD and MSc students, publish high-impact research on sustainable aquaculture in arid environments, and contribute to the UAE’s scientific leadership in AI-driven food and energy systems innovation.
Key Responsibilities
AI & Digital Twin Development
- Develop digital twin models integrating solar energy, RAS dynamics, and sensor data
- Design and implement AI algorithms for feeding optimisation, water quality prediction, and anomaly detection
- Integrate MIT piezo-acoustic sensing data into the AI framework
- Simulation of operational scenarios including heat stress, power interruption, and system disturbances
Research, Modelling & Analysis
- Data analytics and predictive modelling using machine learning tools
- Contribution to techno-economic analysis and scalability modelling
- Preparation of high-impact journal publications
- Participation in stakeholder workshops and project dissemination activities
Supervision & Collaboration
- Supervision of graduate students (PhD and MSc) throughout the project period
- Collaboration with MIT research team on sensor integration and technical development
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Energy Systems, AI, or a closely related field
- Strong background in machine learning and data-driven modelling
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar computational tools
- Experience in system modelling and simulation
- Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Ability to manage research tasks independently with strong scientific writing skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in digital twin modelling
- Experience in IoT data systems or sensor integration
- Background in renewable energy systems or solar PV
- Knowledge of optimisation algorithms and agent-based models
- Experience in real-time control systems and interdisciplinary or international projects
- Experience in aquaculture systems or environmental monitoring (advantageous but not mandatory)
- Willingness to collaborate with the MIT research team
Application Requirements
- A detailed CV
- Evidence of prior experience in machine learning, system modelling, or energy systems
- PDF copies of 2 representative journal publications
About UAEU — Pioneering Research in Abu Dhabi
Join the United Arab Emirates University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering for a ground-breaking 2-year research appointment at the intersection of AI, digital twin technology, solar energy, and sustainable aquaculture. In collaboration with MIT and funded under the A-TRIP programme, the Smart Aqua-PV project represents one of the UAE’s most ambitious interdisciplinary research initiatives — addressing sustainable protein production in arid environments through AI-driven, solar-powered technology innovation.
Career Excellence: Lead AI and digital twin research at UAEU in collaboration with MIT on a globally significant food and energy sustainability project.
Who Should Apply?
- AI & Machine Learning Researchers: PhD holders with data-driven modelling and ML publication track records
- Digital Twin Specialists: Experienced building digital twin frameworks for physical or energy systems
- IoT & Sensor Integration Engineers: With real-time data systems and sensor fusion experience
- Renewable Energy Systems Researchers: With solar PV, energy management, or sustainability background
- International Research Collaborators: Comfortable working within MIT-partnered interdisciplinary research programmes
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