Postdoc Associate

About This Role

K-State Olathe ([https://olathe.k-state.edu/](https://olathe.k-state.edu/)) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI & Computer Vision for Poultry Biosecurity to contribute to a USDA-funded research program. This is a 12-month term, renewable annually for up to 2 years contingent upon funding. The immediate supervisor for this position will be Professor Majid Jaberi-Douraki. The purpose of this position is to develop an effective biosecurity strategy to protect commercial poultry meat and egg farms from infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by reducing contact with wild birds and waterfowl that may carry the virus. The project will focus on preventing these wild bird species from approaching farm facilities, ponds, equipment, and animal housing areas where they may transmit HPAI to domestic flocks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the visual data and analytics component of a field-deployed deterrent system designed to safely repel wild birds from poultry operations.
• Apply artificial intelligence and classical statistical models to classify bird species, quantify activity patterns, and evaluate behavioral responses to sound, light, and motion-based deterrents.
• Integrate surveillance data with open-source migratory bird information and local weather conditions to identify effective deterrent combinations and develop a data-driven decision matrix for alarm timing, frequency, and cue selection.
• Contribute to the establishment of practical detection and response protocols for poultry producers.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree
• Experience with AI, machine learning, or classical statistical modeling applied to behavioral or ecological data.
• Proficiency in analyzing visual data from cameras or video surveillance systems.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or similar) for data processing, modeling, and visualization.
• Experience integrating multi-source datasets (e.g., environmental, sensor, and field observation data).
• Knowledge of avian biology, wildlife behavior, or biosecurity in agricultural systems.
• Experience with database management, secure data storage, and collaborative research platforms.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Skills

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Classical Statistical Modeling
• Data Analysis
• Programming (Python, R, MATLAB)
• Visual Data Processing
• Behavioral Ecology
• Agricultural Biosecurity

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule (Hybrid eligible)
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative research environment

Pay

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

Schedule

• Hybrid eligible, expected to be performed on-site approximately three (3) days a week