Department of Clinical Sciences

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with strong methodological expertise in AI and computer vision for research focusing on animal welfare and behavior in dairy cows.

About the Job

This postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to work with data-driven research at the intersection of AI, computer vision, animal welfare, and behavior. The position is aimed at a methodologically strong researcher interested in developing and applying computer vision-based methods in real-world contexts.

The project is part of the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (EUPHAW) and focuses on the development of methods to quantify and analyze behavior and welfare in dairy cows based on large-scale video and sensor data from barn environments.

The research is conducted at SLU in close collaboration with European research groups within EUPHAW. The work takes place in an interdisciplinary research environment where methodological development in AI and computer vision is combined with applications in animal welfare and Precision Livestock Farming. The position allows for independent work, methodological development, and international collaboration.

Within the framework of the position, the researcher is expected to:

• conduct independent and successful research within the scope of the position
• publish research results in international, peer-reviewed journals
• communicate research and research results to both academic and non-academic audiences
• participate in national and international collaborations, including travel

Your Background

We are looking for someone who has:

• a clear methodological profile in AI and computer vision, regardless of the underlying discipline
• worked independently on the development, training, and validation of computer vision models
• is comfortable working in interdisciplinary research environments where methods are applied to biological or real-world problems

Qualifications

The applicant must:

• hold a PhD in a relevant field (computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, animal science, biology, or veterinary medicine, or related fields)
• have documented experience in computer vision, where the doctoral project has been entirely or significantly method-focused within computer vision and/or AI-based image or video analysis
• have excellent knowledge of machine learning, with practical experience in model development and evaluation
• have good programming skills in at least one relevant language
• have a good ability to express oneself in spoken and written English

Desirable Qualifications:

• experience in computer vision for video analysis (e.g., tracking, pose estimation, behavior recognition)
• experience working with large-scale or long-term collected video
• experience in model evaluation and generalization in noisy, real-world data
• experience in combining video and sensor data
• applied experience of AI in biological or veterinary systems

About Us

The Department of Clinical Sciences is responsible for undergraduate education, research, and doctoral education in anesthesiology, imaging diagnostics, animal care, epidemiology, laboratory animal science, surgery, clinical chemistry, internal medicine, and reproduction. Our activities span all animal species.

At SLU University Animal Hospital (UDS), education, research, and advanced animal healthcare go hand in hand. We train tomorrow's veterinarians and veterinary nurses and provide first-class care for companion animals, competition animals, and production animals. We also disseminate knowledge to the public. By combining established knowledge with the latest research results, we develop the future of animal healthcare.

Under one roof, we offer healthcare for horses, dogs, cats, and other small animals. In addition to modern, purpose-built facilities, we have access to advanced imaging diagnostics and a veterinary specialist laboratory. UDS also includes an ambulatory unit that travels to stables and farms to examine and treat horses and livestock.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

Uppsala

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

April 1, 2026, or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-02-27.

To attach to the application:

1. A personal letter (max 1 page)
2. CV
3. Name and contact details of two references.
4. Degree certificate for the PhD.

Union Contact Persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.