Reference: 03/01/21
Salary: £28,500 - £32,500 dependent on experience
Closing date: 03 February 2021
The role
We are delighted to offer a two-year 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 a large European project, taking a multi-actor and interdisciplinary approach to improve the management and welfare of small ruminants in grazing systems using PLF technologies.
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 in field studies with the main aim of improving the detection of disease in grazing sheep, in order to improve management and welfare.
The post holder will work within the multi-partner, EU-funded ‘TechCare’ project (
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/862050) which will identify and test PLF technologies that could be used for monitoring/improving performance, health and welfare in different sheep grazing systems. A selection of these technologies will be 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 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.
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 animals, technology, data analysis, 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.
Experience in applied parasitological techniques, such as nematode faecal egg counts is desirable.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the application form here:
https://www.moredun.org.uk/careers/research-scientist-2-2Please email the completed form to
[email protected].
Staff benefits
In addition to access to training and development opportunities, you will access to:
• Competitive pension scheme – a minimum contribution of 5% and Moredun contributing a maximum of 15%.
• 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.
