The Zeng Lab at Oklahoma State University is recruiting motivated MSc and PhD students for Fall 2026 to join a new research group in the Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering. The lab, led by Associate Professor Bob (Zhiwei) Zeng, focuses on the development of digital twins for next-generation agricultural machinery, with research areas spanning off-road machinery, DEM/CFD/MBD simulation, soil-tool interaction modeling, intelligent sensing and AI integration, and sustainable mechanization systems. Students will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of agriculture, mechanical engineering, and computational modeling, contributing to the advancement of precision agriculture and sustainable farming technologies. The lab emphasizes close mentorship, intellectual freedom, and rigorous research standards, aiming to develop future leaders in the field. Funding is fully provided, covering tuition, a competitive stipend, and health insurance. Applicants should have a background in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines, and an interest in digital twins, simulation, and intelligent systems. Experience with simulation tools or AI is a plus. The application deadline is December 28, 2025, for a Fall 2026 start. For more information and application instructions, prospective students should consult the full LinkedIn post or contact the lab directly.

The Zeng Lab at Oklahoma State University, in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Digman at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is offering a fully funded two-year postdoctoral research associate position in Digital Twin Modeling and Precision Nutrient Management Systems for Sustainable Dairy Production. The position runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, and is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing a future faculty or advanced R&D career in agricultural machinery systems, soil dynamics, precision agriculture, or sustainable nutrient management. The research will focus on advancing precision manure injection and nutrient management systems through integrated digital modeling, controlled experimentation, and field-scale validation. Key responsibilities include DEM-based soil–tool interaction modeling, development and calibration of a virtual soil bin environment, soil bin construction and instrumentation setup, field validation trials (fuel consumption, nutrient retention, economic analysis), optimization of low-disturbance liquid manure injector designs, and technology transfer and outreach to stakeholders. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with faculty at Oklahoma State University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, co-mentor graduate students, and contribute to major grant proposals. The position offers strong professional development in research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic career preparation. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering (Geotechnical), or a closely related field. Required qualifications include expertise in granular material modeling (e.g., DEM) or advanced numerical simulation methods (e.g., DEM-CFD coupling), a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, excellent English communication and scientific writing skills, and the ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative research teams. Preferred qualifications include experience mentoring students and familiarity with AI or data-driven optimization in agricultural systems. To apply, submit a CV, two-page research statement, one-page future research concept, and contact information for three references by email to both Dr. Bob Zeng ([email protected]) and Dr. Matthew Digman ([email protected]) with the subject 'Postdoc Application 2026 [Your Name]'. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.