Working/Functional Title
Research Associate (MTRAC - Dr. Benjamin)
Position Summary
Electrical and Computer Engineering and Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is the intersection where smart technology and animal farming meet. With its roots in the human-computer interaction field, PLF uses autonomous monitoring of farms through computer vision and other sensors. Through observation and monitoring of animals, PLF can improve the overall health and welfare of farm animals, efficiency and effectiveness of available farm resources and provide an interface for its human users (i.e. farmers, farm suppliers, veterinarians, regulatory boards, etc.).
We are currently seeking a Research Associate, postdoctoral researcher with experience in machine learning to develop techniques for tracking and real-time health assessment of livestock. This is an interdisciplinary project between the College of Engineering and the College of Veterinary Medicine to develop novel precision livestock farming techniques--creating social and economic value for farmers. We have developed and installed robust imaging sensor systems on farms, and are seeking a researcher to create animal health assessment algorithms.
The specific duties of this position include:
- Develop, implement and test machine learning techniques on large multi-modal animal datasets.
This position is initially for one year renewable annually contingent on performance and availability of funding. The starting date is flexible but preferably before March 2019. Review of applications will start immediately, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been found. Salary is commensurate with experience plus benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate
Minimum Requirements
Appropriate qualifications and research training relevant to the duties, including:
- Ph.D. in engineering or computational sciences with experience in developing and implementing neural networks, and ideally experience in tracking (and annotation?).
- Good programming skills in Python using TensorFlow and/or Pytorch and OpenCV
- Good software skills including Docker and bash scripting
Required Application Materials
- Cover letter summarizing your background relevant experience
- Most recent CV
- Contact information for three referees
Special Instructions
For Applicants wishing for more information about this position, please contact:
Dr. Daniel Morris, dmorris@msu.edu
Dr. Madonna Benjamin, gemus@msu.edu
Review of Applications Begins On
08/28/2020
Website
WWW.CVM.MSU.EDU
Department Statement
Michigan State University, the pioneer land-grant school, is one of the top research universities in the world where veterinary science has been taught since its 1855 founding. East Lansing’s collegiate atmosphere is complemented by low cost of living with convenient access to large cultural centers such as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago. East Lansing and surrounding communities provide excellent public school systems. In addition, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, with its numerous inland lakes and rivers, state and national parks, national lakeshores, world-class golf courses, and ample snowfall offers a broad variety of seasonal outdoor recreational activities. Visit the Pure Michigan© website www.puremichigan.org for more details.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.