Postdoctoral Researcher in Digital Innovations for Smallholder Farms

Department: Centre for Water Informatics & Technology (WIT)
Reports to: Dr. Abubakr Muhammad
Application Deadline: November 10, 2026
Position Type: Full-time
Contract Duration: 12 months, extendable for up to 24 months based on performance
Expected Start Date: December 1, 2026
Salary: PKR 200,000–225,000 per month

Position Purpose

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher position under a European-funded research project exploring digital innovations for smallholder farm production.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead a team working alongside expert faculty, PhD students, and research associates to investigate the following questions:

  • How can ICT-driven technologies support demand-based irrigation systems, and how can data and information be disseminated and aggregated to promote equity?
  • How can remote sensing-based vegetation-status products at different spatial resolutions be critically evaluated to support timely decision-making by smallholder farmers?
  • How can data products be translated into useful information for smallholder farmers through available digital tools? Which digital tools are operational or under development by solution providers, and what tools and information are needed?

The position is full-time for an initial period of 12 months, including a three-month probationary period. The position is available from December 1, 2026, and may be extended for up to 24 months based on performance.

The project is funded by the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) as part of a three-year initiative.

The selected candidate will have access to the university's library, sports facilities, laboratories, IT resources, dedicated office space, and university mailing lists.

Main Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead technical activities related to project outcomes, programme management, reporting, and liaison with project partners. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Equity quantification: Assessing equity in demand-based water systems using system modelling, simulation, and verification.
  • Field measurements and surveys: Conducting field measurements and farmer surveys, complemented by remote sensing-based analyses of water productivity.
  • Remote sensing and mathematical modelling: Critically evaluating crop-status indicators derived from remote sensing and mathematical modelling.
  • Technology assessment: Assessing existing products and services.
  • Project coordination and reporting: Leading technical project activities, contributing to programme management and reporting, and liaising with partners.

The project team at LUMS will comprise expert faculty, a postdoctoral researcher, a research assistant, and a PhD student. Opportunities for travel and research exchanges with international partners, including the University of Hildesheim and the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, are also likely.

As part of WIT's research ecosystem, the selected candidate will be expected to participate in the Centre's general activities in precision agriculture and contribute to the co-supervision of students.

Although not required for this position, the fellowship may be upgraded to an adjunct faculty position if the candidate is interested in teaching courses at LUMS. Postdoctoral researchers at LUMS are also eligible to apply for internal and external competitive grants as co-principal investigators (co-PIs).

Qualifications

Essential

  • PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources, or Agriculture.
  • A publication record.

Desirable

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering.

Experience

Essential

  • Leadership or team-management experience in education or industry.

Desirable

  • Experience in international collaborations.

Knowledge

Essential

  • Modelling and simulation.
  • Geospatial inference and learning.
  • Machine learning and statistical analysis.
  • Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and electronic instrumentation.

Desirable

  • Precision agriculture.
  • Water resources.
  • Agronomy.

Skills and Attributes

  • Programming proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar languages.
  • Familiarity with GIS tools and data analytics.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Strong writing and reporting skills.
  • Ability to understand and appreciate end-user and stakeholder perspectives.
  • Willingness to learn new domains of knowledge and engage in interdisciplinary work.
  • Ability to work across theory and practice.

Women and international applicants are especially encouraged to apply.

Travel Requirements

The position involves bimonthly or quarterly travel to rural sites in Central and Southern Punjab for data collection and other programme activities.

Work Schedule

Standard working hours are 40 hours per week.

Salary

PKR 200,000–225,000 per month.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their applications to hrwit@lums.edu.pk, including the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Academic transcripts.
  • PhD thesis.
  • Research papers.
  • List of references.

Email subject line: Application for Postdoc – SMALLPAK

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The selected candidate may join at their earliest convenience.

For informal queries or clarification, please contact Dr. Abubakr Muhammad at abubakr@lums.edu.pk.