- Qualifications:
- Preferably, a Master’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Data Science, or a related field.
- Experience in SPSS or R (statistical computing and graphics) and PowerBI.
- Experience in ODK or CommCare
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Basic understanding of IoT systems and data management.
- Excellent communication skills to convey complex ideas simply.
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our collaborative team working on the GrowSmart project, a joint initiative between the University of Virginia (UVA) and 4D Climate Solutions. GrowSmart is a revolutionary solar-powered, IoT-based irrigation system tailored for modern farmers in Lesotho. The system offers precise and sustainable irrigation, customized to each farm’s agroclimatic conditions, and integrates green and cost-effective solar power, state-of-the-art IoT sensors for real-time data, and a user-friendly mobile app for remote monitoring and control. GrowSmart is designed to be cost-effective and scalable, accessible to smallholders, and expandable for commercial use, enhancing agricultural resilience against climate change and water scarcity.
The Research Associate will play a crucial role in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from the GrowSmart system to optimize its performance and impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Data Collection and Management:
- Oversee the collection of data from IoT sensors in polytunnels, including soil moisture, temperature, ambient conditions, and CO2 levels.
- Monitor crop-related data, such as yield, productivity, and growth.
- Collect and manage data from the solar grid, including energy consumption and solar irradiance.
- Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and security.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Conduct statistical analyses on the collected data to identify trends, patterns, and correlations.
- Develop predictive models to optimize irrigation strategies and improve crop performance.
- Collaborate with the research team to interpret findings and generate actionable insights.
- Prepare visualizations, reports, and presentations to communicate results effectively.
- Research and Development:
- Contribute to the design and implementation of experiments and field trials.
- Investigate innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the GrowSmart system.
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in IoT, precision agriculture, and data analytics.
- Assist in writing research proposals, grant applications, and scientific publications.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Liaise with farmers, agricultural experts, and technology providers to gather feedback and insights.
- Participate in community training programs and demonstrations to showcase the benefits of the GrowSmart system.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, agronomists, and business development professionals.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking project at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and sustainability. The Research Associate will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, a diverse network of experts, and the chance to make a tangible impact on the future of farming in Lesotho and beyond.
Closing Date: August 30, 2024