Development of image analysis as a tool to monitor animal welfare in modern animal husbandry
The PhD student will conduct research by using image analysis technology to identify risk factors for animal health, especially locomotion disorders, in today’s and tomorrow´s animal housing systems. This will be accomplished by continuous monitoring of animal movements, positions and interactions by using image analysis and validation with traditional behavioral studies and to correlate the results with animal health data. The PhD student will in collaboration with researchers in the team produce a platform for the development of algorithms that links abnormalities of behavior with early signs of injury or disease. The work will be conducted at SLU Alnarp in close collaboration with the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Lund University. The image analysis technology will be tested practically in herds for animal production.
Qualifications
Experience of working with ethology, animal health, animal production technology and management systems, in particular dairy production, and management of large amounts of data in research projects is meritorious. Good ability to express themselves in speech and writing in English is a requirement. Good ability to express themselves in speech and writing in Swedish is meritorious. A driving license is a necessity because some field work is included. Emphasis will be put on the applicant’s potential, analytical skills, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
Forms for funding or employment
Employment as PhD student 4 years
SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level.
Those who met the requirements for general eligibility before July 1st, 2007, i.e. had completed a programme of higher education for at least 180 Higher education credits or the equivalent, will continue to do so until the end of 2015."
Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview.
Further information: Associate professor Anders Herlin +46 - (0)40 - 415219; anders .herlin@slu.se; Professor Christer Bergsten +46 - (0)40 - 415475; christer.bergsten@slu.se
Academic union representatives
SACO Andrus Kangro +46 (0)40 415 479
SEKO Desiree Karlsson +46 (0)18 67 10 57
ST Jörgen Olsson +46 (0)40 415 431
Applications, marked with ref no SLU ua 5656/2013, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, S- 750 07 Uppsala or registrator@slu.se no later than 2014-01-10.