Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Temporary 12 months 

The role

We are delighted to offer a 12 month post-doctoral research scientist post to work on Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies in grazing sheep.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in two large European projects, taking a multi-actor and interdisciplinary approach to improve the management and welfare of small ruminants in grazing systems using PLF technologies and to understand end-user needs, interests and challenges in PLF and digital technology use on small ruminant farms.

PLF technologies have been widely adopted in the management of high-value animals (e.g. dairy cattle) but the development has been slow for livestock species deemed to have lower individual/economic value, e.g. small ruminants. This is despite the significant advantages that could be achieved by applying these technologies to improve both management and welfare.  The limited previous studies that have been done have identified several benefits of using PLF approaches within extensive sheep systems.  With farmers now looking to make improvements to their flock management, in areas such as efficiency, labour-use, performance and welfare, there has been a growing interest in the development of suitable PLF technologies. This role will investigate the use of different PLF technologies, through analysis of data generated from field studies with the main aim of improving the detection of disease (gastrointestinal nematodes, mastitis and lameness) in grazing sheep, in order to improve management and welfare. There will be opportunity to conduct further studies on selected PLF tools (e.g accelerometer, proximity logger, GNSS) for disease detection in sheep. Finally, the role will also encompass assisting with the communication and dissemination of information generated on end user needs, interests and challenges in the use of PLF and digital tools on small ruminant farms across Europe.

The postholder will work within two multi-partner, EU-funded projects, with the proposed time allocation between the projects being; ~90% of time on the TechCare project  (https://techcare-project.eu). Here, the postholder will analyse data from previously conducted field trials to identify and test PLF technologies that could be used for monitoring/improving performance, health and welfare in different sheep grazing systems. The remainder 10% of will be working on a second  project Sm@RT (https://smartplatform.network/) which is focused on identifying farmers needs, wants and challenges with PLF tools on farm throughout small ruminant farms in Europe.

In TechCare, a selection of PLF technologies have been previously tested in-situ on research farms in Scotland, to identify and evaluate, within a flock environment, their potential and suitability for addressing different management and welfare aspects. The postholder will be responsible for data organisation, cleaning and analysis of the data collected from the tools (e.g. accelerometer, proximity logger, GNSS) and metadata (individual animal welfare indicators, weight and disease incidence data (e.g. gastrointestinal faecal egg count, mastitis, lameness and orf occurrence) from these field trials. There will also be a proportion of time spent conducting further housed and field trials on selected PLF tools.

In Sm@RT  the postholder will assist with the dissemination of information generated through the Sm@RT project on user needs, interests and challenges of using PLF technologies on small ruminant farms across Europe.

The postholder will be based within the parasitology group at the Moredun Research Institute working closely with PhD students and staff in both the Hill & Mountain Research Centre and the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group at SRUC and Biology and Statistics Scotland (BioSS).

Experience required

You will have:

• A background in agriculture or animal science
• A PhD in an appropriate field (e.g., biology/agriculture/technology)
• A confident approach to working with complex data analysis, technology, animals, and people
• Previous research experience
• Worked with large animals and animal disease
• A strong interest in the use of sensor or digital technology that can be applied to farm situations and a desire to use different approaches to practically improve animal management on farm.

How to apply 

To apply, please complete the application form and email the completed form to hr@moredun.ac.uk via the ‘Apply’ button above

Staff benefits

In addition to access to training and development opportunities, you will access to:

• Competitive pension scheme – a minimum contribution of 3% and Moredun contributing a maximum of 15%.
• Group Life Assurance Scheme and an Income Protection Scheme
• Flexi-time system
• 6 weeks annual leave plus 7 days public holidays and a privilege day
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Benefits platform offering discounts at various retailers
• On site café.

The Moredun Group operates a number of policies including access to a family healthcare scheme and flexible working arrangements.

We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment, respecting equality and diversity and encouraging good relations. We welcome applications from people irrespective of their age, sex, religion or belief, race, disability or sexual orientation.