Research Assistant in Acoustic and Behavioural Research in Poultry
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We are seeking a Graduate Researcher to join a multidisciplinary team working on a research project investigating vocalisation and behaviour in poultry. The aim of this project is to develop innovative and practical approaches for real-time welfare monitoring and early detection of disease in poultry systems, using acoustic and images combined with artificial intelligence. (This a fixed term contract up to June 2026)
This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to research that lies at the intersection of animal behaviour, welfare science, and digital innovation. The successful candidate will play a central role in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, helping to bridge traditional animal science with AI tools.
Key responsibilities
* Assisting in the deployment and monitoring of audio and video recording equipment on a commercial poultry farm in collaboration with project partners.
* Collecting and managing acoustic recordings, images, and behavioural data from broilers.
* Analysing vocalisation patterns, images and behavioural indicators using machine learning tools.
* Cleaning, organising, and maintaining accurate records of all datasets associated with the research.
* Training of artificial intelligence models, contributing to the development of automated systems for detecting signs of distress, illness, or compromised welfare in poultry.
* Interpreting data and assisting in the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles.
About you
You will have a minimum of Bachelor’s degree in animal science, veterinary biosciences, biology, zoology, computer science with interest in digital biotechnology or a related field. Candidates with equivalent qualifications and demonstrable research or field experience are also encouraged to apply.
We are particularly interested in individuals who have:
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
* The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, often across disciplines.
* A demonstrable interest in animal behaviour, welfare science, poultry research or digital biotechnology.
* Experience with data analysis, scientific writing and the preparation of research outputs.
* An understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm development, particularly its application in animal behaviour, precision livestock farming.
How to apply
If this opportunity interests you, please submit a CV and outline your interest in the role and how your background fits with the project. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview in October 2025, with the successful candidate expected to start shortly afterwards.
For informal enquiries or more information about the position, please contact Oluwole Oni at o.oni@surrey.ac.uk
The University of Surrey reserves the right to close this vacancy early or extend based on Volume and Calibre of applications.
For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.
In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.
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