Postdoctoral Associate - Phenotyping/Data Science

The Phenotyping and Data Science teams at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center are seeking an individual to fill a full-time position as a Postdoctoral Associate. Working at the intersection of plant phenotyping, computer vision, data science, and geospatial sciences, you will work with members of the Data Science, and Phenotyping teams to develop cutting-edge solutions for collecting and analyzing field phenotyping data from satellite and uncrewed aircraft images.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement automated pipelines for processing and analyzing large-scale geospatial and phenotyping datasets using Python, R, and cloud computing platforms
• Develop computer vision and machine learning algorithms to extract plant traits from satellite and UAS imagery
• Create reproducible workflows using version control (Git)
• Collaborate with field researchers to optimize data collection protocols and ensure data quality
• Visualize complex datasets and communicate findings to multiple stakeholders
• Maintain detailed documentation of analysis methods and results
• Lead technical presentations to research teams and collaborators
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Strong programming skills (Python preferred)
• Familiarity with several of the following: navigating the Linux/Unix command line, programming language proficiency, bioinformatics, statistics, image analysis, geospatial analysis, machine learning, algorithm development, data structures, workflow development, and high-performance/high-throughput computing
• Highly organized individual who can maintain progress in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to multitask and manage time effectively
• Must be comfortable collaborating and working across teams
• Good communication skills
• Familiarity with basic computer programs such as Google Drive/Microsoft Office365 and communication tools such as Slack
• Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data collection and/or image analysis
• Experience with agricultural or plant science applications
• Knowledge of remote sensing and multispectral imaging

We Offer:

• Opportunity to impact global agricultural research
• Access to state-of-the-art computing and imaging facilities
• Collaborative, innovative research environment

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in the field of bioinformatics, computer science, data science, geospatial sciences, plant science, or relevant fields

Application Requirements:

• Detailed cover letter highlighting relevant experience. Cover letter should be written and edited by the applicant, AI-generated cover letters will not be considered.
• CV/Resume
• Contact information for two (2) professional references
• Links to GitHub profile or relevant project portfolios (optional)

About the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center:

Founded in 1998, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. Our focus is scientific research at the nexus of food, energy and the environment to improve the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. We assemble interactive teams of scientists and develop unique platforms to discover underlying principles about how plants work. We then convert that knowledge into useful crops and products, and partner with organizations that are best positioned to solve problems where they exist around the world. The Center’s work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is proudly an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions at the Danforth Center are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It is our policy that the Danforth Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin and status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact Human Resources, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance.