PRR Project

Summary

The INIAV Strategic Unit for Research and Services in Animal Production and Health (INIAV-UEISPSA) is seeking to appoint a goal-oriented and proactive Assistant Researcher in precision livestock farming (PLF) who want to contribute to the development of sustainable, climate friendly ruminant production systems in challenging technological, environmental, economic and regulatory contexts.The main purpose of the role is to research and develop the subject of PLF within the INIAV-UEISPSA in collaboration with other INIAV research units and other partners.PLF is a technology-driven approach that applies process engineering principles and real-time monitoring of feeding behavior, activity level, social interactions of animals to improve production, reproduction, health, welfare, and environmental sustainability.PLF has emerged as a pivotal area of multidisciplinary interest, involving specialist from animal and veterinary science, computer science, agricultural engineering, and environmental science.Intelligent systems and animal behavior are the main topics of contemporary research in precision livestock technology, with a focus on deep learning, accelerometer technology, automatic milking systems, lameness detection, estrus detection, and electronic identification. Within PLF, social science components, environmental effects, information technology, and animal welfare are important research areas. Enhancing communication and collaboration between academics and institutions, integrating multidisciplinary approaches, and utilizing deep learning and machine learning techniques have been pointed out by several authors as the top priorities for future PLF research. It is also recognized that by developing the incorporation of intelligent technology in animal care, with an emphasis on advancing sustainable development via enhanced animal wellbeing and less ecological footprint, answers will be given to the increased societal (ethical and ecological) concerns raised by the citizens on livestock production impacts upon the future of the planet. Job descriptionThe future assistant researcher in PLF should work together with the INIAV-UEISPSA researchers in projects on pasture-based livestock production systems. The overall goal is to deliver research-based knowledge that can contribute to the development of sustainable and climate friendly ruminant production systems based on the efficient utilization of Mediterranean feed resources. The PLF researcher to be contracted should prioritize integration of multidisciplinary and multimethod research approaches (sensing technologies, deep learning, and machine learning algorithms) with extensive collaboration internally in INIAV, and externally with research institutions and stakeholders in Portugal as well as in other countries. Main responsibilitiesLead and/or participate in writing and execution of new research proposals on PLF to national and international funding schemesContribute to the development of modern research facilities for PLF with ruminants for feeding experiments (controlled or in grazing conditions), animal behavior studies, and analyses of feed intake, digestibility, and greenhouse gasses.Attract and support the supervision of MSc and PhD students, by assisting them on their progress and establish new research ideas.Disseminate research findings both orally and in writing at high-quality national and international scientific symposia and journals, as well as on specialized technical forums and publications. Professional qualifications (required)PhD in Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Engineering or Animal Sciences with high relevance for the positionPublished per-reviewed scientific papers within relevant field of researchGood communication skills in oral and written Portuguese and English Will be evaluated positivelyCandidates with strengths in mechatronics, robotics, sensing, and/or analytics, particularly with a view to autonomous systems for PLF, are preferred. As well as:Good knowledge of livestock production under Mediterranean conditionsExperience with practical handling of livestock from farms or research facilitiesExperience with AI techniques (especially deep learning and machine learning) as well as related algorithms and programming languagesExperience with laboratory workGood network within research and stakeholders Personal qualificationsEntrepreneurial mindset and enthusiasm for developing transnational research into marketable intellectual propertyResponsible, goal-oriented, proactiveGood communication and interpersonal skills.