Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Data Science Applied to Remote Sensing and Agricultural Mechanization

Field of Knowledge: Geosciences

FAPESP Grant Number: 2021/06029-7

Project Title: High-Resolution Remote Sensing for Digital Agriculture

Number of Positions: 1

Start Date: April, 10, 2026

Principal Investigator: Antonio Maria Garcia Tommaselli

Host Institution: School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV) – UNESP

Deadline for Application Submission: March 5, 2026

E-mail for Applications: rouverson.silva@unesp.br

The selected candidate will be responsible for the analysis and visualization of data collected by remote sensing platforms, as well as the development of machine learning models for the estimation, prediction, and modeling of agronomic and biophysical characteristics – particularly crop maturity, yield, and quality of specialty crops – for application in intelligent harvesting. The algorithms will be implemented in the Python or R programming languages, with successive comparative testing and validation. Databases and models will be built using multiresolution, multitemporal, and multispectral imagery, in addition to any other variables collected in the field during the conducted experiments.

The selected candidate will carry out their activities in Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil. Experience in data science, remote sensing, or precision agriculture is required for the position.

Any questions should be sent by email to Prof. Dr. Rouverson Pereira da Silva (rouverson.silva@unesp.br), with the subject line: FAPESP 2021/06029-7 (Postdoc).

The position is open to both Brazilian and international applicants. The selected candidate will be required to dedicate themselves full time and will receive a FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship in the amount of R$ 12,570.00 per month, in addition to a Technical Reserve equivalent to 10% of the annual fellowship value to cover expenses directly related to research activities. The duration of this fellowship is 21 months, with the possibility of extension, subject to evaluation by FAPESP.

Desired Skills and Competencies

Applicants are expected to demonstrate the following qualifications and competencies:

  1. A PhD degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or a closely related field.
  2. Demonstrated experience in data science and the development and application of machine learning algorithms.
  3. Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis and model development.
  4. Foundational knowledge of remote sensing, agricultural mechanization, and precision agriculture concepts.
  5. Basic understanding of agricultural machinery and mechanized production systems.
  6. Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
  7. Strong interpersonal skills, along with effective oral communication and the ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.

Applications

Applications must be submitted in English by email and should include the following information/documents as attachments:

  1. Curriculum vitae (CV).
  2. PhD diploma or official certificate/minutes of the doctoral defense.
  3. A research plan related to the postdoctoral proposal described above (maximum of 5 pages).
  4. Links to relevant articles or projects by the applicant in the proposed research area.
  5. Any additional documents that demonstrate relevant experience.