Hydroponics and Microbial Systems Researcher

Sony Computer Science Laboratories (Sony CSL) is a leading-edge organization that works to create new research areas and paradigms, as well as new technologies and businesses for the common social good. Sony CSL - Paris is a small research cell that uses the tools of complexity science, data science and artificial intelligence to investigate fundamental issues in different areas such as the understanding and creation of music, language and communication systems, sustainability and the dynamics of innovation and creativity. Sony CSL - Paris recently celebrated its 25th anniversary

We are seeking a Researcher or Engineer to contribute to an exciting European project, called Mi-Hy

), focusing on sustainable agriculture. Mi-Hy is designing a combined hydroponics system with a stack of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) that use bacteria to convert wastewater to generate electricity and provide plants nutrients (including nitrogen and phosphor recycling). Another system component is a Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) that produces organic molecules of interest from wastewater and electricity.

As part of our team, you will design, develop, and implement the first prototype that will be used to collect detailed data for modelling. The goal is to improve the system efficiency to reach a modular product attractive to professional growers and households. You will interact with an international team of experts in microbiology, plant science, electrochemistry, computer science, and architecture (UK, Spain, Belgium). Mi-Hy is a scientific project, and you will be able to contribute to open-access, scientific publications.
- According to project funds, we can offer an eighteen-month contract with a possible extension of another eighteen months.

You will:
Prototyping- Construct the Mi-Hy prototype system, in collaboration with the Mi-Hy partners.- Integrate automation components for calibration, real-time monitoring, and data acquisition (pH, nutrient level, temperature, humidity...).- Design and implement the automated control of nutrient dosing, irrigation, and environmental adjustments.- Implement robust monitoring systems to track plant health and growth rates.- Use various instruments, sensors, and actuators within the hydroponic system.- Implement the storage of data in a database (MongoDB).

Experiments and modelling- Macroscopic modelling of the main flows and transformations in the integrated system.- Run experiments with the prototype to understand the system dynamics by testing different environmental and input parameters.- Collaborate with partners for more detailed models of individual components (MFC, MEC, and hydroponics).- Use the model of the system to predict the parameter set that will maximize a chosen output (electricity generation, plant growth, molecule synthesis).

Project management- Coordinate Sony CSL interactions with the consortium partners.- Handle the organisation of consortium meetings.- Assist in reporting.

You will bring:
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in one of the following fields: Biological Engineering, Agricultural Science, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, or a related field.- Proficiency in data acquisition & analysis and sensor calibration.- Experience with hands-on prototype building.- Strong understanding of automation principles and instrument interfacing.- Knowledge of cell culture techniques and microbial interactions.- Alternatively, knowledge of plant growth techniques.- Previous experience in hydroponics systems or automated instrumentation is a plus.- Passion for sustainable agriculture and innovative solutions.

Additional Information:
- This position is part of a collaborative European project, and excellent communication skills are crucial.- Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are a plus.- Occasional travel within Europe may be necessary for project coordination and workshops.

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