Postdoctoral Scholar-AI Applications in Food Processing and Supply Chains
Position Overview
Organization: Industrial & Systems Engineering
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar-AI Applications in Food Processing and Supply Chains
Position Details
Position Description
Dr. Juming Tang’s group at the University of Washington has launched a new research program focused on developing novel sensors and AI tools to enhance the transparency and management of cold food supply chains. The group has also established strong research capabilities in advancing microwave-based thermal processing technologies for prepackaged foods and in conducting funded projects on innovative whole-grain meal products.
The postdoctoral scholar will support research and technology transfer activities related to these projects. We are seeking a dedicated candidate with a strong educational background in mechanical engineering, food engineering, or a related engineering discipline, and with demonstrated experience and interest in microwave heating, sensor development, and AI applications.
The ideal candidate should have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and hands-on experience with pilot-scale processing systems and physics-based computer simulations, as well as prior work with food and other biomaterials.
The application deadline is December 15, 2025.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Juming Tang (jutang88@uw.edu) to discuss their interests in this position prior to the application deadline. This research position is offered for 1 year (12 months), renewable for an additional year.
The ideal starting date is January 1, 2026. The postdoctoral fellow will be hosted in the UW Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Tang. The scholar is also expected to interact with a large number of collaborators, stakeholders, graduate students, and industrial partners.
The base salary range for this position will be $80,172-$84,000 per year, or as mandated by the U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website: https://hr.uw.edu/labor/about-labor-relations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Participate in and/or lead research and technology transfer activities, including but not limited to:
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Microwave processing for the production of high-quality ready-to-eat meals;
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Development and validation of various sensors to enhance transparency in cold supply chains; and
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Development and validation of new AI agents (cloud-based and edge AI) and related tools for cold supply chains.
Participate in and/or lead stakeholder engagement efforts.
Supervise and collaborate with graduate students in laboratory and pilot-scale facility settings.
Participate in and/or lead activities that streamline and promote the team’s work (e.g., presentations, website updates and maintenance).
Assist in developing and managing research laboratories and pilot-scale facilities.
Contribute to the preparation of project reports, presentations for professional conferences and workshops, and scientific publications.
Participate in writing proposals to internal and external funding agencies to strengthen research programs.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in mechanical, food, electrical and/or computer engineering, industrial systems and engineering, or a closely related field.
Desired Qualifications
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Strong programming skills (e.g., using MATLAB, Python, R, or others).
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Experiences in computer simulation using multiphysics models (e.g., using COMPOL)
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Hands-on experience with sensors, data acquisition systems, and IoT.
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Hands-on experience on developing and using AI tools and related databases.
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Published scientific papers in relevant top-tier journals and conference proceedings.
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Strong communication, presentation and documentation skills; and ambition to become a leader in the relevant fields (e.g., professor or senior research positions in a company or national lab).
Instructions
To apply, please submit an application through Interfolio (insert the link here) that includes the following:
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A complete curriculum vitae
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Up-to-date university transcripts
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A short statement (1 page) describing research interests and goals
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Names and contacts of 3 references
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A link to your website (if available).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.
As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits
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Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.