Graduate Research Assistant (PhD preferred) for smart animal farming

This GRA position focus on developing and evaluating robotic imaging and artificial intelligence technology to assess animal behavioral and biological characteristics. We are looking for self-motivated students or post-graduate students who have a degree in Agricultural/biological systems engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science and engineering, or similar engineering degrees. Preferred skills include robotic system development and evaluation, and experience in computer vision, IoT, robotics and artificial intelligence. The position is expected to conduct research activities in animal farms, including robotic system development and installation, data collection, and collaboration with other research teams.

Interested applicants: please send your CV to Dr. Jianfeng Zhou at zhoujianf@missouri.edu. A meeting will be arranged if there is a fit to the position.

Postdoctoral Position in Precision Livestock Farming

Position Summary

A multidisciplinary team in agricultural engineering, animal science and agricultural economy at the University of Missouri (MU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research in precision livestock farming using artificial intelligence. The candidate will work with the multidisciplinary team consisting of research and extension faculty, graduate and undergraduate students in developing the AI-enabled animal monitoring and decision-making system. Responsibilities of the position include development, evaluation and deployment of a robotic imaging system, big data analytic pipeline, artificial intelligence enabled decision-support systems for animal production with a focus on swine reproduction.  The candidate is expected to lead the research activities of technology development, field evaluation, data collection and analysis and publication. The candidate will have opportunities to participate in international conferences, get training for grant writing and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, or other related fields (e.g., electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering) by the time of appointment. Other degree programs will be accepted if the candidates have strong experience in computer vision, robotics and artificial intelligence.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience in robotics, computer vision and digital agriculture or research using digital technologies, such as internet of things, sensors, robotics and artificial intelligence. A strong background in developing sensor systems, robotic systems and analyzing agricultural big data with machine learning and deep learning algorithms is desired. The successful candidate will need the ability to maintain a good working relationship with other research fellows working in a large research group and lab and research management experience. Excellent communication skills, potential for collaborative research, ability to work independently and cooperatively, advising students on the research team, and strong writing skills for grant proposals and journal articles are all important aspects of the position.

Benefits:  This position is eligible for university benefits.  The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts.

Application Deadline:  The position is expected to start in September 2024 or earlier. Candidate screening will begin sometime in July 2024, or as soon as we have enough candidates. But applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Procedure:

  • Interested applicants: please send your CV to Dr. Jianfeng Zhou at zhoujianf@missouri.edu. A meeting will be arranged if there is a fit to the position.
  • Official application: Apply online at https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings, Job ID 51800. Be prepared to upload: 1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience, scholarly research interests and professional goals, and qualifications pertinent to the responsibilities of the position; 2) a resume including a complete publication list; and 3) the contact information for three references.

Download the position description: Position PLF

Postdoctoral Fellow – Digital Agriculture

Job description: Conduct research and extension activities in digital agriculture to advance smart farming technologies and improve soil health, crop production, and agricultural sustainability. The position locates in the Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) program of the Division of Plant Science and Technology at University of Missouri (MU), in collaboration with the USDA-ARS Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research Unit in Columbia, MO.

Duties: Responsibilities of the position include development, evaluation, and deployment of sensing, decision-support, and machine control technology to enable digital agriculture systems focused on soil health, crop nitrogen management, and advanced planting technology. The candidate will work with a multidisciplinary research team consisting of university research and extension faculty, USDA-ARS scientists and engineers, and graduate and undergraduate students. The candidate is expected to lead the research activities of digital agricultural technology development, field evaluation, data collection and analysis and publication. Some potential activities include but are not limited to: 

  • Collect and analyze proximal soil sensor (planter sensor, soil electrical conductivity, soil spectra) and remote crop sensor (UAV and vehicle mounted) data in field-scale experiments with an emphasis on refining spatial decision support for nitrogen management.
  • Collect and analyze soil sensor data to estimate soil health in field-scale experiments.
  • Document planter-sensor performance in estimating seed-zone soil properties and investigate hardware and calibration changes to improve estimates.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering and other related fields by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience in digital agriculture, precision agriculture or research using digital technologies, such as remote sensing, internet of things, sensors, robotics and artificial intelligence. A strong background in developing sensor systems, analyzing agricultural big data with machine learning and deep learning algorithms is desired. The successful candidate will need the ability to maintain a good working relationship with other research fellows working in a large research group and lab and research management experience. Excellent communication skills, potential for collaborative research, ability to work independently and cooperatively, advising students on the research team, and strong writing skills for grant proposals and journal articles are all important aspects of the position.

Application Deadline:  The position is expected to start as early as August 2024. Candidate screening will begin in August 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Procedure:  Apply online (https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings. Job ID 52499).  Be prepared to upload: 1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience, scholarly research interests and professional goals, and qualifications pertinent to the responsibilities of the position; 2) a resume; and 3) the contact information for three references. 

Contact:  Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Jianfeng Zhou at zhoujianf@missouri.edu, 573-882-2495, or Dr. Ken Sudduth at ken.sudduth@usda.gov, 573-882-4090.

Download the position description: Position-DA

Other positions: please send your CV and a statement of interests to Dr. Jianfeng Zhou (zhoujianf@missouri.edu), or contact through 573-882-2495.