Grant-Funded Researcher - Climate smart buffalo farming using digital support systems

3 Year Fixed term contract until 31 March 2029

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellow (A or B level) to join our innovative research team.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that integrates sensor data, image/video analysis, and real-time monitoring systems to enhance agricultural practices.

About the Project:

Buffaloes are a cornerstone of India’s agricultural economy, contributing nearly half of the country’s milk production. The Buffalo Precision Farming Project aims to transform buffalo farming through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including imaging and video analysis, sensor technology, IoT devices, biochemical sensors, and machine learning. The project’s primary goal is to develop sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient farming technologies that enhance milk production and profitability for smallholder farmers in India.

This project is a collaborative initiative between the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (India), Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, and The University of Adelaide (Australia), and is generously funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About the Role:

The successful candidate will join the precision buffalo farming project and will play a key role in advancing real-time health and behaviour monitoring, developing AI-based decision support systems, and conducting comprehensive testing and training for technology adoption. The position also provides opportunities to engage with related precision farming research initiatives, including sheep precision farming, at the Davies Livestock Research Centre.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of precision farming technologies for buffaloes, including sensor systems, imaging/video analysis, and machine learning applications.
• Assist in the creation of AI-based decision support systems for buffalo health and behaviour monitoring.
• Participate in the testing and evaluation of new technologies, ensuring their relevance and feasibility for smallholder buffalo farmers in India.
• Collaborate with international research teams, particularly in India, to enhance the project’s outcomes.
• Engage in related research initiatives at the Davies Livestock Research Centre, expanding your expertise in precision farming across species.

(Level A) $98,574 to $105,611 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

To be successful you will need:

• PhD or equivalent in Computer Science, Agricultural Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field relevant to precision livestock farming
• Proven experience in computer programming, machine learning, and deep learning, with evidence of practical application in research projects.
• Strong capability and analyse large datasets, particularly those involving sensor data, image/video analysis, or biological data.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to work collaboratively in diverse research environments, including enthusiasm for engaging with international teams (particularly in India) across different time zones.
• Evidence of research productivity through scientific publications and ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.

(Level B) $111,031 to $131,335 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

To be successful you will need:

• PhD or equivalent in Computer Science, Agricultural Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field relevant to precision livestock farming
• Demonstrated experience in computer programming, machine learning, and deep learning, with evidence of practical application in research projects.
• Proven ability to manage and analyse large datasets, particularly those involving sensor data, image/video analysis, or biological data.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to work collaboratively in diverse research environments, including enthusiasm for engaging with international teams (particularly in India) across different time zones.
• Demonstrated research productivity through scientific publications and ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience in project management and supervision of research students, with ability to guide and mentor junior researchers.
  
  

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.
 

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs

Your faculty's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as contained in the selection criteria document.

Applications close 11:55pm, Friday 25 April 2025

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact:

Dr Mehar Khatkar
Research Academic
Davies Livestock Research Centre
School of Animal and Veterinary Science
E: mehar.khatkar@adelaide.edu.au

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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