About the Opportunity

About the Institute

Do you want to be part of an exciting new Institute focused on combining human and machine intelligence into working AI solutions?

We are launching a pioneering research and innovation hub in AI—one that will shape the way humans and machines collaborate for decades to come. Led by Prof. Usama Fayyad, the Institute for Experiential AI is built around the challenges and opportunities made possible by human-machine collaboration. The Institute provides a framework to design, implement, and scale AI-driven technologies in ways that make a true difference to society. Our ability to respond to the opportunities afforded to society will depend on training and building a workforce that is AI-capable and prosperous. 

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.

The Culture

Here at the Institute for Experiential AI (EAI) we are committed to the highest standards in all that we do.  Working at the EAI offers opportunities, an environment, and a culture that just aren’t found together anywhere else. This is the right place for you if you’re curious, motivated by the future of technology, and want to be part of a unique and diverse community that works on high-impact research, educational, business, and societal problems.

Job Summary

Northeastern University's Institute for Experiential AI has established a position for a Postdoctoral Researcher focused on work at the intersection of AI Climate and Sustainability. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be based out Portland, ME campus and conduct applied research, prepare work for submission to journal/conference publications, contribute to extramural funding applications, and project manage in connection with projects. This position has a two-year, renewable appointment.

AI4CaS: Develop hybrid physics-AI and knowledge-guided AI systems for climate and weather extremes, as well as their impacts on multiple sectors such as lifeline infrastructure and transportation systems, emergency management, ecology and biodiversity, as well as the nexus of water-energy-food and population. Develop novel data-driven and process knowledge involved methods, software, and data products, as well as high-impact publications and patents that connect with stakeholder and policy maker needs. Engage in community partnerships and entrepreneurial activities with private-public-government and international partners in research and practice. 

General Minimum Qualifications, Values & Abilities Needed for this Role

AI for Climate and Sustainability (AI4CaS)

a. Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in a quantitative/computational field related to climate, sustainability, and security, broadly construed. These may include computational climate, weather, water and energy sciences and technologies, network science and operations research, nonlinear dynamics and extreme value statistics, physics-integrated machine learning, etc.

b. Must have experience and/or demonstrated motivation in geoscience or environmental or infrastructural or energy informatics and/or associated data formats.

Values & Abilities:

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively towards common research goals.

• We expect postdoctoral fellows to establish and advocate for best practices in scientific reproducibility of all results, and to promote the ethical use of data and algorithms.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of different stakeholders, e.g., academics, business executives, government officials, journalists/media, etc.

• Comfortable navigating complex internal processes and structures.

• Respect for diversity and the importance of interdisciplinary teams.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, self-starter and innovative thinker while at the same time being able to navigate multi-layered channels within a university setting and working across multiple teams/business units.

• Team-player who can collaborate effectively in a university setting.

• Open-minded, assertive, and professional when collaborating and working within our team and with other groups within Northeastern University.

Required Documents :

Please submit the following documents in a single Word/ PDF document along with your application-

1. Cover Letter (please specify the specialization(s) you are interested in)

2. Resume

3. Few samples of your Research Papers/Articles

4. One page Research Statement. The research statement should not exceed 1 page. A reference cited section can be appended following the research statement and does not count towards the page limit. Please use 11- or 12-point size and a standard font. Page margins should be 1 inch or greater. Please address the following:

• Describe your research and how it has contributed to your field?

• What future directions do you anticipate for your research?

• Who are your primary collaborators and what are your experiences with industrial collaborations?

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

60% - Participate in research projects that advance scientific knowledge and that solve relevant societal and industrial problems. Participation in these projects will include scientific programming, data analysis, manuscript preparation, meeting with collaborators, etc.

15% - Help prepare projects to secure research funding to supplement finances as well as preparing reports and presentations associated with them.

10% - Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

10% - Represent the university in conferences, seminars, and other public events, as well as in media outlets. Perform service for the university and the research community volunteering for different types of tasks.

5% - Other assignments as deemed necessary.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .