University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
vetmeduni.ac.at
Reference Number: 2022/0435
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The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) works to safeguard the health ofanimals in Austria through its teaching and research activities and through the services it
offers. These tasks represent our contribution to keeping people and their animalcompanions healthy and to ensuring the production of healthy food. To meet our objectives,
our University Clinic for Ruminants, Clinical Unit for Herd Health Management incollaboration with the Precision Livestock Farming Hub (Institute of Animal Welfare
Science; both at the Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health) is
looking for a

PhD student working on „Image
analyses for predicting parturition incows and pigs”
Grade:
Level of employment:
Length of employment:
Deadline for applications:B1
30 hours
3 years, beginning from 01.07.2022
15.05.2022

Digitalisation in livestock farming is advancing rapidly. One of the factors contributing to thisdevelopment is the increasing use of sensor technologies, e.g. for animal monitoring. In thiscontext, Precision Livestock Farming technologies support the management of animals bycontinuous, automated, real-time monitoring of production/reproduction, health and welfare,
integrating a bioengineering approach to human-animal interaction that offers wide-ranging
applications and benefits.
This PhD position is organised in collaboration between the Clinical Unit for Herd HealthManagement in Ruminants and the Precision Livestock Farming HUB of the Vetmeduni
Vienna. The project focuses on the development of automated methods for image based
monitoring of parturition in cows and pigs. The project will have several phases. In the firstphase, the focus will be on a post hoc investigation of videos to develop an algorithm for
automated classification of animal posture and behaviour. This will allow establishing thetechnological foundation and will help to acquire basic knowledge on the relationship between
parturition and sensor-captured specific behaviors. In a next step, an algorithm for real-timemonitoring of parturition will be developed and tested.
Responsibilities
Practical research activities for data generation are planned on the research farm of theVeterinary University (VetFarm) at Kremesberg in Pottenstein, Lower Austria, but also on
contracted (inter)national commercial farms. The project is ideally suited for students with astrong quantitative background in computer science, engineering, or natural sciences who
have a passion to conduct high-level and applied research in a very dedicated and ambitious
research team. The project will combine behavioural observations on animals, analysis ofdynamic variation of sensor signals, algorithm development and algorithm validation. The
work will be conducted in English.
Necessary knowledge and qualifications• university degree in a relevant field of biology, veterinary medicine, computer science,
bio-engineering, engineering or equivalent degree• Very good German and English language skills in spoken and written (B2)• Interest in data analysis and programming• Class B driving licence
Skills and Abilities
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Knowledge in computer programming (MATLAB, Python, R)
Knowledge in handling of farm animals
Knowledge in behavioural data analysis
Experience with sensor use in biology
CraftsmanshipTeam spirit
Ability to work under pressure, independent and problem-solving oriented
Scientific publications would be a plus
Experience with deep learning frameworks would be a plus

Contact /Further Information
Dr. Michael Iwersen
T +43 2672 82335-32
E Michael.Iwersen@vetmeduni.ac.atwww.herdhealth.at
Minimum salary
The minimum salary for university staff is regulated by the collective contract and at the level
given above amounts to EUR 2,293.95 gross per month. The minimum salary may be
increased when previous employment and other salary components are taken into account.
Applications
Please submit applications quoting the reference number 2022/0435 via e-mail (preferably)
to bewerbungen@vetmeduni.ac.at or by post to the Personnel Department of the Universityof Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna. Please do not forget to include thereference number or we shall be unable to relate your application to the correct vacancy
announcement.
The Vetmeduni Vienna is attempting to increase the proportion of female staff, particularly insenior positions, and in accordance with § 41 of the 2002 Universities Act it is striving toattain a balanced representation of men and women, especially on its scientific staff.
Applications from qualified women are thus particularly welcomed. If women are
underrepresented (below 50%), female applicants who are as well qualified as the best
qualified male applicants will be given preference, provided that there are no strong reasonsfor favouring a particular male candidate.

Reference Number: 2022/0435
Date: 14.04.22
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Applicants have no entitlement to reimbursement of any travel or accommodation costs they
may incur as a result of the application procedure.
The Vetmeduni Vienna is proud to have been awarded the certificate “hochschuleundfamilie”(career and family). We should thus be especially pleased to receive applications frompeople with families. Applications from persons with disabilities are similarly welcome.

Reference Number: 2022/0435
Date: 14.04.22
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