Post-Doctoral Associate

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in data science and deep learning algorithms, who is passionate about applying technology to agriculture. The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team focused on improving dairy cattle health and management, specifically through detecting early lameness and enhancing hoof health. The postdoc will lead a research study on dairy cattle lameness which will utilize data-driven approaches to improve on-farm lameness detection. The aim of the research is to better understand longitudinal changes in lameness and hoof health in commercially housed dairy cows, identify trends in technology-based data associated with lameness and hoof lesion occurrence, and to develop new algorithms using various data streams from herd records and on-farm technologies.

In this role, you will also contribute to other research studies and assist with advancing precision agriculture initiatives. Additionally, due to the collaborative nature of the research team and department, you will assist on multiple research labs within the department relating to different challenges facing the dairy industry, serving as a primary source of assistance for data handling and analysis.

Primary Responsibilities:
Manage an applied dairy research study focused on lameness and hoof health in commercial dairy herds.
Conduct advanced data analysis on large datasets from dairy farms.
Write and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
Mentor undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students, particularly in writing, data analytics, and experimental design.
Assist in grant writing and procurement of research funding.
Occasionally assist with on-farm data collection.

Required Qualifications:
PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Animal Science, or a related field.
Expertise in large-scale data analytics and machine learning algorithms.
Experience with AI and deep learning applications.
Demonstrated research experience as evidenced by a strong publication record.
Interest in and willingness to learn about dairy cattle applied research.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in agricultural research, particularly dairy or other livestock species.
Successful dissemination of research (e.g., conference presentations, research papers).
Previous experience in grant writing and obtaining research funding.
Experience with R statistical software and Github.

Pay Range: $56,485.00 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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