Job Information
Penn State University Talent Acquisition Postdoctoral Scholar in University Park, Pennsylvania
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The Cyber-Physical Animal Systems (CAS) lab at Penn State invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar researcher to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and animal systems. The lab focuses on the development of cutting-edge, AI-enabled, and loT-based technologies to monitor and improve the welfare, health, and productivity of livestock animals, particularly poultry.
The successful candidate will lead and contribute to ongoing research efforts aimed at using multimodal sensing, computer vision, and data fusion techniques to assess animal behavior, body weight, and health indicators. The research also emphasizes the integration of precision technology in realistic commercial farm settings, addressing both technical and practical challenges.
Key Responsibilities: * Design and conduct research projects related to AI-based precision livestock farming with a focus on computer vision, machine learning, and sensor integration. * Develop and optimize multimodal sensing systems (thermal, depth, RGB cameras, etc.) for monitoring of animal phenotypes such as activity behavior, health indicators, and environmental stressors. * Apply data fusion techniques to integrate data from various sensors and predict phenotypes, such as disease indicators and productivity metrics. * Collaborate with the lab and broader University teams to publish high-impact peer-reviewed research papers and present at conferences. * Mentor graduate and undergraduate students working in the lab. * Contribute to grant writing and fundraising efforts to support future research projects. * Occasionally participate in farm data collection.
Qualifications: * Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Animal Science, or a related field with experience in AI, computer vision, and precision agriculture. * Strong programming skills in Python or similar languages. * Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn. * Experience setting up loT devices, i.e., sensors and computing boards to be deployed at the farm. * Experience in poultry or livestock systems. * A demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications. * Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. * Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications: * Background in data fusion, combining data from different types of sensors. * Familiarity with cloud computing and distributed data systems.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter outlining their research experience, qualifications, and motivation for joining the CAS lab, a two-page curriculum vitae highlighting relevant publications and research projects, and contact information for three professional references to REQ_0000061545 at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Enrico Casella at casella@psu.edu. The successful candidate must have completed all PhD degree requirements by the appointment date.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Affirmative Action Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines University Park, PA
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
