table{
border-collapse: separate;
border-spacing: 0px;
}
th {
background: #ddd;
padding: 8px;
line-height: 1.1em;
text-align: left;
}
td:first-child {
background: #ddd;
width: 250px;
}
td {
background-color: #efefef;
padding: 0.4em !important;
line-height: 1.4em !important;
}

.wm-ab-launcher-spinner {
height: 100%;
left: 0;
position: absolute;
top: 0;
width: 100%;
}

.wm-ab-launcher-spinner::before {
animation: wm-ab-spin 1.5s linear infinite;
border: 2px solid #f3f3f3;
border-radius: 50%;
border-top: 2px solid transparent;
content: '';
height: 18px;
left: calc(50% - 9px);
position: absolute;
top: calc(50% - 9px);
width: 18px;
}

@keyframes wm-ab-spin {
0% {
transform: rotate(0deg);
}

100% {
transform: rotate(360deg);
}
}

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Maricopa, AZ)
Posting Number	req25891
Department	Biosystems Engineering-Res
Department Website Link	https://be.arizona.edu/extension
Location	Maricopa
Address	37860 W Smith Enke Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
Position Highlights	The postdoctoral position focuses on data-driven analysis and prediction of crop evapotranspiration using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The role integrates multi-source datasets, including remote sensing, climate variables, and field-collected plant and soil data, to develop predictive ET models. The candidate will apply expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), environmental modeling, and data analytics to assess spatial and temporal ET variability. Knowledge in Environmental Engineering and Hydrogeophysics will support modeling of soil-water-plant interactions under varying environmental conditions. The postdoc will assist with field data collection for model validation and experimental support. Responsibilities include advanced data analysis, model development, and publication of results in peer-reviewed and extension journals. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities	Duties and Responsibilities: Develop and apply Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence models to predict crop evapotranspiration (ET) using multi-source environmental datasets. Integrate and analyze remote sensing, climate variables, and field-collected plant and soil data to support accurate ET modeling. Utilize GIS and environmental modeling to assess spatial and temporal variability in ET and soil-water-plant interactions. Support irrigation research through field data collection, data quality control, and model calibration and validation. Conduct advanced data analysis and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams while preparing publications, technical reports, and presentations.
Minimum Qualifications	Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Geophysics, Hydrology, Biosystems Engineering, Data Science, or a closely related field. Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications	Strong expertise in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for environmental data analysis and predictive modeling. Experience with remote sensing data processing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including handling large multi-source datasets. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB for data analysis and model development. Demonstrated research productivity, including publications related to AI applications for evapotranspiration (ET), particularly in arid and semi-arid environments, along with good communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
FLSA	Exempt
Full Time/Part Time	Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week	40
Job FTE	1.0
Work Calendar	Fiscal
Job Category	Research
Benefits Eligible	Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay	NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type	salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:	Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies	1
Target Hire Date	7/6/2026
Expected End Date	7/5/2027
Contact Information for Candidates	Dr. Diaa Elshikha [email protected]
Open Date	5/5/2026
Open Until Filled	Yes
Documents Needed to Apply	Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report	In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [email protected].

Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Maricopa, AZ)