[PhD Opportunity] AI-Based Microplastic Detection in Recycled Fertilizers – Fully Funded Position at Agricultural University Plovdiv
Hadi M
We are pleased to announce a fully funded PhD position at the Centre for Cleantech and Biomass Resource Efficiency (CCBRE), Agricultural University Plovdiv (Bulgaria). The selected candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary research project focused on AI-based detection of microplastics in recycled organic fertilizers using hyperspectral imaging (HSI).
This project addresses one of the most pressing concerns in sustainable agriculture—soil contamination by microplastics—and aims to develop a fast, scalable, and cost-efficient technology for real-world monitoring.
Project Highlights:
- Development of a novel HSI-AI pipeline for microplastic detection in compost/digestate-based fertilisers.
- Integration of deep learning methods (e.g., CNNs) and spectral data processing techniques.
- Large-scale dataset creation and validation with real agricultural samples.
- Comparison of the proposed method with traditional spectroscopy-based approaches.
We are looking for candidates with interest and/or experience in:
- Image processing (HSI or other sensor/camera data)
- Machine learning and AI (especially segmentation/classification)
- Big data and high-dimensional spectral analysis
- Python, Matlab, or similar coding platforms
- Dataset curation and AI training pipelines
- Scientific writing, reporting, and publication
- Background or interest in environmental applications is a plus
Timeline:
- Applications due by: September 30, 2025
- Shortlisted interviews: October 2025
- Final selection for formal admission: November 2025
- Start date: January 2026 (or earlier by agreement)
Location:
Plovdiv, Bulgaria – a vibrant, affordable, and culturally rich city nestled near the scenic Rhodope Mountains.
Salary:
€1,250/month (€15,000/year) – highly competitive in the Bulgarian context.
Application Documents:
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- Contact details of two academic referees
Please send your complete application to:
Dr. Hadi Mahdipour
hadi.mahdipour<at>au-plovdiv.bg
Please find the full announcement attached.
We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with interested students, recent graduates, or colleagues in your network.
Warm regards,
Dr. Hadi Mahdipour
Head of Data Science and AI
Agricultural University Plovdiv
Best regards,
Hadi
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Dr. Hadi Mahdipour
Head of Data Science and AI
Centre for Cleantech and Biomass Resource Efficiency (CCBRE)
Agricultural University Plovdiv
bl. "Mendeleev" 12, BG-4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Email: hadi.mahdipour<at>au-plovdiv.bg
Website: CCBRE
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