Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Request for Proposal – ToR to develop and implement an integrated seed data collection

   
Request for Proposal – Terms of Reference to develop and implement an integrated seed data collection, management & reporting system interfaced with a mobile-based app

Objectives

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop an integrated seed data collection, management, and reporting System and an accompanying mobile-based application to optimize the organization’s seed-related operations, from production to distribution.

Scope of work

The consultant’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

System analysis and design
• Conduct a detailed analysis of the organization’s existing seed production, inventory management, and distribution processes.

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to gather requirements for the seed data collection, management, and reporting system, and mobile app.

• Design a user-friendly and intuitive interface for the seed data collection, management, and reporting system and mobile app.

Development
• Develop the seed data collection, management, and reporting System, ensuring seamless integration of modules such as seed production, inventory management, order processing, sales, and reporting.

• Create a mobile-based application compatible with major operating systems, enabling access to key seed data collection, management, and reporting functionalities remotely.
Integration

• Establish secure data integration between the seed data collection, management, and reporting system and the mobile app.

• Ensure real-time synchronization of data between the web-based seed data collection, management, and reporting and the mobile app.

Testing
• Conduct rigorous testing of the seed data collection, management, and reporting system and mobile app to identify and rectify any technical issues or bugs.
Training

• Provide training sessions for the organization’s staff on how to effectively use the seed data collection, management, and reporting system and mobile app.

Documentation
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including user manuals for the seed data collection, management, and reporting system and mobile app.
Support and maintenance
• Offer post-implementation support for a defined period to address any unforeseen issues or enhancements.
• Provide regular maintenance and updates to ensure the system’s optimal performance.

Friday, September 15, 2023

Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto

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The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) co-leads the prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto, a program of Schmidt Futures.

From climate change to infectious disease, artificial intelligence (AI) can help us tackle the challenges that humanity faces by accelerating the pace of scientific research and development. The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdocs program boosts the work of early-career scholars in engineering, mathematics and natural science by giving them vital tools in AI. Experience with AI is not a requirement, but applicants must have the desire to learn new AI methodologies that stand to accelerate discoveries in their domain.

The University of Toronto is Canada’s leading research university and the home of seminal work in artificial intelligence, from deep learning and neural networks to the interfaces between AI and the natural sciences.

Value and Duration: $85,000 CDN/year, plus benefits
Application Deadline: October 2, 2023

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at The University of Chicago

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The AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow Program at the University of Chicago is seeking scholars who seek to advance and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the natural sciences. The rise of AI in science and engineering presents both a remarkable opportunity and a profound challenge to human-centered modes of inquiry, including not only data analysis, but also the design of experiments, the formulation of new hypotheses, and the revelation of natural laws. Given the cross-disciplinary nature of AI research in science, Fellows will be offered freedom and independence in pursuing their AI-related research, including the flexibility to change or expand their research focus and to work with multiple research groups while at the University.

This unique program is part of a vibrant and growing AI and science community that includes departments across the UChicago campus as well as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Laboratory.

Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in AI and science. They form a cohort of top scholars across the natural sciences engaging in joint training and research activities. Fellows will receive the training in AI methods necessary for conducting their research. Drawing on the University’s top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, and vibrant data science ecosystem, this program will allow postdoctoral fellows to engage in field-defining research. Fellows will receive a competitive salary and benefits, generous research funding and travel allowances, and the opportunity to collaborate with partners worldwide. Fellows will be appointed as Research Associates in the University’s system of record.

This is a two-year position with an opportunity to renew for a third year. The start date will be negotiated for a date in 2024. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2023, and will continue until all positions are filled.

Qualifications

Fellows must hold a doctoral degree in the natural sciences, engineering, or a related field completed before the start of their fellowship and earned no earlier than 2019.

Application Instructions

Application review for these positions will begin on November 1, 2023, and continue until positions are filled. Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago Jobs website: http://apply.interfolio.com/131477.

The following materials are required:
  • Cover letter indicating the candidate’s potential mentor(s) at the University, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, or the Marine Biological Laboratory, and briefly describing the candidate’s area of research.
  • A 2-3 page (excluding references) research statement describing the candidate’s research contributions, highlighting: the significance and potential impact of their past and planned research contributions in the natural sciences and engineering, a proposal for exploring AI’s potential role in their research, evidence of the candidate’s preparedness for our training program, and evidence of independence and engagement in activities (e.g., research, seminars, coursework) that span traditional disciplinary boundaries.
  • Candidate’s CV, including a list of publications and other research artifacts (e.g., publicly available software).
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation and an additional confidential brief letter from the prospective mentor(s) agreeing to sponsor the applicant if they are selected.
Contact:

For questions about this application, please contact [email protected]

Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC San Diego

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Applications for the 2024 cohort open on September 1, 2023. The application deadline is October 1, 2023.

Before applying, applicants must obtain the sponsorship of a faculty member at UC San Diego who is willing to serve as their primary faculty mentor.
  • Complete applications should consist of the following documents: Schmidt AI in Science Postdocs Program Application Form
  • A research statement emphasizing the promise of the applicant’s research agenda and demonstrating a clear understanding of how to apply AI to improve their science
  • A diversity statement describing the applicant’s past or future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout their academic career
  • A letter of nomination from the applicant’s proposed primary (STEM) faculty mentor at UC San Diego. The letter from the proposed primary (STEM) mentor should address: a) the applicant's proposed research and its scientific significance, and how training in AI methods and approaches through the Schmidt AI in Science Postdocs Program will enhance their science; b) the extent to which the applicant will participate in departmental and campus academic activities (e.g., seminar programs); c) the extent of the applicant's anticipated participation at national/international research meetings; and d) the proposed STEM mentor's involvement in mentoring for other programs designed to increase access and opportunity in higher education.
  • Two additional letters of recommendation. These letters should address: a) The novelty, quality and promise of the applicant's work; b) the potential for the nominee to leverage the training they would receive as a Fellow to pioneer and accelerate the adoption of innovative applications of AI in their field; and c) if the applicant's Ph.D. is in progress, rate the likelihood of its completion by September 1 of the year they will begin their postdoctoral appointment.
If selected, Fellows will be expected to begin their appointment on October 1, 2024 and must have completed their PhD by September 1, 2024.

Two Postdoc opportunities in transritomics

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My lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (http://tinyurl.com/pkatzlab) is seeking two postdocs to join projects in collaboration with Jeff Lichtman’s lab at Harvard University. We are looking for people who are knowledgeable in transcriptomics and/or connectomics to join ongoing projects related to multisensory systems and neurogenesis.

We have been pioneering the use of the nudibranch, Berghia stephanieae to ask fundamental questions about the structure and function of neural processing. Nudibranchs, like other gastropods, have central ganglia that continue to add neurons as the animal grows, increasing the number of neurons over 40 fold in just eight weeks. Individual neurons can be recognized at each developmental stage, some arise early and others later, providing an opportunity to compare synaptic organization and gene expression in the same neuron at different times. We are asking how newly born neurons become incorporated into functional neural circuits by combining 3D electron microscopy, cell tracing, single cell transcriptomics, and multiplexed in situ hybridization chain reaction to create developmental cell atlases.

We are also examining the structure and function of the rhinophore complex in Berghia. The rhinophores are distance chemoreceptive appendages that contain thousands of peripheral neurons. At the base of each rhinophore is a ganglion that has more neurons than the so-called brain. We are determining whether this ganglion has structural features that are analogous to an insect antennal lobe or whether it has a uniquely molluscan organization that includes peripheral processing. The structural basis for olfaction has not yet been determined in molluscs. This project could help determine whether molluscs fundamentally differ from other known systems in how olfactory receptor neurons are organized into circuits.

Postdocs will develop their individual projects with the expectation that they will build an independent research program. Postdocs are expected to mentor and work as a team with students in the lab. We work to foster a cooperative, inclusive environment in the lab.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has a large and growing neuroscience community. Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Amherst, and Hampshire Colleges are all nearby and contribute to the academic environment. Amherst is located about 2 hours west of Boston. There is train service to New York City as well. Amherst is situated in the Connecticut River Valley, convenient to skiing in the Berkshire Mountains and Vermont. There is a lively music scene and art scene.

Applicants must have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, and publication record in the field.

Applicants should send a cover letter, with contact information for three references, and a c.v. to [email protected]. Applications will be considered as they are received.

Paul Katz
Professor at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Monday, September 11, 2023

Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Manager for Tanzania MUM Project

   
Under the supervision of the Water Services Team Lead, the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Manager will be responsible for water and sanitation infrastructure implementation, including site investigation, design, environmental compliance, preparation of bidding packages, and construction management services for USAID’s construction contractor(s). In coordination with the Chief of Party (COP) and Deputy COP-Technical, the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Manager will manage two lead engineers as part of their supervisory responsibility over the engineering and construction management components of MUM’s WASH infrastructure implementation as part of Strategic Objectives 1 & 3.

Qualifications:
  • Degree in relevant field such as civil or water resources engineering, water and environmental engineering.
  • Master’s degree or equivalent and 7 years’ experience in a relevant field, OR bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 10 years’ experience in a relevant field.
  • Demonstrated technical experience in water supply delivery, including in at least three of the following areas: infrastructure development, hydraulic design, preparation of bidding packages for water supply infrastructure, training and capacity building, community engagement, and pro-poor approaches to WASH access.
  • Minimum of seven years’ progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international development. At least three years must be in a management position.
  • Experience with sanitation infrastructure in urban settings and managing donor-funded activities is desired.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili.
  • Computer literate (in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), including AutoCAD and hydraulic modeling/design software.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing teams across multiple WASH focuses, ensuring appropriately tailored and synchronized activities.
  • Knowledge of water supply infrastructure design, bidding document production, and construction management.
Read more and apply: https://tetratech.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/water-supply-and-sanitation-infrastructure-manager-for-tanzania-mum-project-36779

Finance Manager for Tanzania MUM Project

   
Under the supervision of the Director of Administration and Finance, the Finance Manager is responsible for managing accounting and financial control systems for the Tanzania MUM project offices in the Iringa office and for ensuring that adequate and appropriate internal controls are in place to meet generally recognized accounting standards and full compliance with all USAID financial administration and reporting requirements. In addition, the Finance Manager will oversee the Finance team and work closely with Administrative Manager and Procurement and Subcontract Manager.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in finance and/or accounting, or related field of study, and 3 years’ relevant work experience OR 8 years’ relevant work experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in similar donor-related activities serving on a similar or equivalent position.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing a finance team and solving accounting and finance problems.
  • Practical experience preparing VAT refund claims and coordinating endorsements and submission of required documentation to TRA.
  • Ability to review activity budgets and QuickBooks entries and reports.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.
  • Must be registered with National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) as Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
  • Tactfulness, enthusiasm for the job, Good Human Relation skills, integrity and ability to work under pressure.
Read more and apply: https://tetratech.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/finance-manager-for-tanzania-mum-project-36789