PLF-Hub is searching for a new colleague for development of computer vision tools for automated detection of damaging behaviour in pigs. It is a fully funded 3 year PhD position. Details are in the advertisement below.

The Vetmeduni teaches, undertakes research and offers services designed to guarantee the health of animals in Austria.  We view our work as our contribution to ensuring human health and the health of our animal companions as well as to the production of healthy food.  To help us meet these objectives, our Shared Facility “Precision Livestock Farming (PLF Hub)” at the Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Food System Transformation, is looking for an University Assistant (Pre-Doc) PhD student working on “Computer vision for automated detection of damaging behaviour in pigs”

Grade:                                               B1 Pre-Doc

Level of employment:                    30 hours/week

Duration of contract:                      3 years

Deadline for applications:             01.10.2026

Reference number:                        2026/0120

Place of work: Vetmeduni Campus Viena, VetFarm

Digitalisation in livestock farming is advancing rapidly. One of the factors contributing to this development is the increasing use of sensor technologies, e.g. for animal monitoring. In this context, Precision Livestock Farming technologies support the management of animals by continuous, 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.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Conduct independent research as part of a PhD project.
• Develop computer vision methods for precision livestock phenotyping, with a particular focus on the early detection of abnormal behaviours in weaned piglets.
• Implement and enhance state-of-the-art computer vision methods for individual identification, tracking, and behaviour recognition.
• Develop techniques to improve the robustness of computer vision models, including the generation of synthetic datasets.
• Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.

Necessary education, knowledge and qualifications

• Master or equivalent degree in veterinary medicine, agricultural sciences, computer science, data science, bioengineering or engineering (Diplom- or Bachelor+Master)
• Good English in writing, reading and speaking (B2)

Desirable qualifications, abilities and skills

• Knowledge in data analysis and programming (e.g. C, C++, Python, Java, Matlab, R)
• Experience with deep learning frameworks
• Experience with computer vision
• Experience with video game engines and synthetic data e.g. Unreal Engine 5
• Affinity with livestock, preferably in animal handling
• Interest in animal health, welfare and production
• Knowledge in behavioural data analysis
• Experience with sensor use in biology
• Ability to conduct research relatively independently
• Scientific publications 

What we offer

• Top university:  the Vetmeduni is one of the leading academic institutions in Europe to offer education in and undertake research on veterinary medicine
• Stable employer
• Attractive campus
• Opportunities for further training, both personal and in connection with your career
• Preventive and medical health care
• Diversity- and family-friendly culture
• Childcare facilities, both in term time and during holidays
• Many attractive fringe benefits
• Staff events

Minimum salary

The minimum salaries at universities are governed by a collective bargaining agreement.  At the level given above, the minimum salary amounts to EUR 3,776.10 gross per month based on full-time employment (40 hours/week). 

Applications

We shall be happy to receive your application, quoting reference number 2026/0120, by e-mail to bewerbungen@vetmeduni.ac.at. Please do not forget to include the reference number, or we shall not be able to assign your application to the correct position.

Please be sure to include the following with your application:

• Official notices or certificates, as well as the transcript of records for the degree(s) to be verified

In accordance with § 41 of the 2002 Universities Act, the Vetmeduni is striving to increase the proportion of female staff members, particularly in leadership positions, and to achieve a balanced ratio of men and women on its staff, especially the scientific staff, and would thus welcome applications from qualified females.  If women are underrepresented (below 50%), female candidates who are as well qualified as the most appropriate male candidates will be given preference, provided that there is no reason to prefer a particular males candidate.

There is no cost for applying for the position. However, candidates have no rights to reimbursement of any travel and accommodation costs that may arise in connection with their applications.

The Vetmeduni is proud to hold the certificate “hochschuleundfamilie” (university and family) and thus welcomes applications from people with families.  We also welcome applications from persons with disabilities. If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to contact our disability liaison officer by email at bvp@vetmeduni.ac.at.

Further information

Maciej Oczak, PhD

+43 664 602576919

maciej.oczak@vetmeduni.ac.at

https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/plf-hub