Research Associate-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title Research Associate Fixed Term ### Position Summary Michigan State University Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) invites applications for a talented postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic animal science and artificial intelligence team. The candidate will develop novel algorithms that advance the use of computer vision in precision livestock farming (PLF) and improve animal welfare. ** ** The proposed study will use metrics collected on research and commercial farms to determine a non-invasive method using thermal cameras and animal-based behaviors to reflect the animal's thermal neutral zone (TNZ). The project will provide updated standards for managing animal comfort and reflect an adjustment to the TNZ of breeding swine (sows, gilts, and boars). Adapting new standards will ensure that animal well-being is optimal, the on-farm energy use is maximized, and work to differentiate Michigan products for the consumer. The candidate will work within the Department of Large Animal Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University (MSU) and collaborate with MSU-Extension and University of Nebraska -- Lincoln (UNL). The candidate is expected to have training and experience in animal science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and computer vision and a strong publication history. The candidate will translate collected data derived from sow farms with annotated datasets to determine the changes in the thermal regulatory responses of sows in open gestation pens during 3 seasons. The candidate is expected to publish research results in high-impact journals, present findings at producer and science conferences, and write grants based on the research results. One of the key goals of the project is to foster collaboration and attract contributions from the computer vision community and farmers through the release of video-based datasets. Your involvement is crucial to the success of this initiative. While in this role, you will: 1. Work directly with Michigan swine producers and extension specialists to develop a set of best practices for evaluating sow comfort. This will include collaboration with media specialists to develop video tutorials and graphics that can be implemented into employee training protocols. 2. Mentor undergraduate students hired to assist in video annotation. 3. Work with MSU and UNL advisors to publish findings, write proposals that build on the findings of this grant, and present materials at the swine industry conference in February 2026 and at science conferences. **The preferred start date is June 1, 2025, and the appointment is for 12 months, as this project is state funded until May 31, 2026. ** Michigan State University is located on one of the nation's largest and most beautiful campuses. The University has a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is home to a diverse international community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists, teachers and leaders. East Lansing's collegiate atmosphere is complimented by low cost of living with convenient access to neighboring 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 lake shores, world-class golf courses, and four seasons offers a broad variety of outdoor recreational activities. Visit the Pure Michigan© website for more details. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The mission of the college is to be inclusive as we learn, discover, heal and protect. We, as a college, aim to identify, attract, and retain talented students, faculty, an