Research Assistant – Smart Aqua‑PV Systems & Monitoring

About the role

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at United Arab Emirates University seeks a full‑time Research Assistant for a 24‑month A‑TRIP project focused on a solar‑powered digital twin and AI‑driven smart aquaculture system. The role involves hands‑on work with a recirculating aquaculture facility, sensor networks, and renewable‑energy components.

Key responsibilities

• Install, operate, and validate a solar‑powered recirculating aquaculture system.
• Deploy, calibrate, and maintain water‑quality, environmental, IoT, and piezo‑acoustic sensors.
• Log data continuously, perform quality control, and manage system uptime.
• Monitor fish health, feeding regimes, RAS performance, PV generation, battery status, and conduct controlled stress tests.
• Conduct preliminary data analysis using Python or MATLAB and support dashboard/digital‑twin development.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, manuals, and contribute to stakeholder workshops.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Environmental, Agricultural/Aquaculture Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Practical experience with experimental systems, sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, IoT, or control.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or comparable data‑analysis tools.
• Strong data‑management, technical writing, and communication abilities.
• Capability to work independently, safely, and collaboratively in laboratory and field settings.

Required skills

• Python
• MATLAB
• IoT platforms (Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi)
• Cloud dashboards and databases
• Wireless sensor networks
• Machine learning, time‑series prediction, anomaly detection
• Digital‑twin modeling
• Water‑quality sensors and data acquisition
• Recirculating aquaculture system operation
• Solar PV, battery management, pumps, aeration, renewable‑energy systems

What we offer

• 24‑month fixed‑term contract within a high‑impact research project.
• Collaboration with MIT and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
• Opportunities for authorship on scientific publications and participation in international workshops.
• Professional development in sustainable aquaculture and renewable‑energy technologies.