Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead microbiological research on innovative robotic solutions for dairy cattle health.
- Company: Join the University of Liverpool and AG Products Ltd. in a groundbreaking project.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship from experts, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare and sustainability in agriculture.
- Qualifications: PhD in microbiology or related field with lab experience and strong writing skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to enhancing workforce diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary project at the intersection of microbiology, animal health, and agricultural robotics. In a collaboration between the University of Liverpool and AG Products Ltd., you will play a key role in evaluating the impact of a novel autonomous robotic bedding unit (AG ARC) on dairy cattle health.
This project aims to reduce environmental mastitis in dairy herds by improving cubicle hygiene through intelligent, sensor-driven automation. By contributing to this research, you\’ll be at the forefront of precision livestock farming, helping to enhance animal welfare, reduce antibiotic use, and support a more sustainable dairy industry. You will work alongside Dr. Joe Neary and Professor Rob Smith, leaders in livestock health research with an excellent track record of mentoring early career researchers.
The Role
As the Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will lead the microbiological aspects of the project. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Conducting in vitro bacterial culture experiments to determine how temperature and humidity affect the growth of mastitis-causing pathogens.
- Performing on-farm environmental sampling of dairy cubicles and teat-end swabbing to gather real-world data.
- Evaluating the relationship between cubicle hygiene, teat cleanliness, and overall milk quality.
- Analysing data and contributing to the writing of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
- Collaborating closely with our project partners, including engineers and veterinarians, to assess the effectiveness of the AG ARC machine.
About You
This position is ideally suited to a microbiologist with strong laboratory skills and an interest in applied animal health research.
Essential Criteria
- A PhD in microbiology, veterinary microbiology, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience in microbiological laboratory techniques, including bacterial culture and molecular methods like PCR.
- A track record of publication and strong scientific writing skills.
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- A willingness to travel to commercial farms for sampling and data collection.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with livestock, particularly dairy cattle.
- A degree in Veterinary Medicine (MRCVS or equivalent).
- Familiarity with environmental sampling techniques and milk quality assessment.
If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.
Commitment to Diversity
The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Agricultural Robotics and Animal Health employer: Unviersity of Liverpool - The Academy
Contact Detail:
Unviersity of Liverpool - The Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Agricultural Robotics and Animal Health
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the agricultural robotics and animal health scene. Attend conferences, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to researchers or professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your lab skills and any hands-on experience with livestock. We want to see how your background in microbiology can directly contribute to their projects. Be ready to share specific examples of your work!
✨Ask Smart Questions
During interviews or networking events, ask insightful questions about the project and the team. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge about precision livestock farming and its challenges.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission in advancing animal health and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Agricultural Robotics and Animal Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in microbiology and animal health. We want to see how your skills align with the exciting work we're doing at the intersection of robotics and livestock health.
Show Off Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, be sure to showcase your previous publications and any hands-on lab experience. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their scientific writing prowess and laboratory techniques!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your passion for applied animal health research shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity in agricultural robotics and animal health.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unviersity of Liverpool - The Academy
✨Know Your Microbiology
Brush up on your microbiological knowledge, especially related to mastitis-causing pathogens. Be ready to discuss your experience with bacterial culture and molecular methods like PCR, as these will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous research projects and publications. Highlight any relevant work that demonstrates your ability to analyse data and contribute to scientific writing, as this will be key in your new role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position involves collaboration with engineers and veterinarians, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully worked in multidisciplinary teams before. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team success in past projects.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Since the role includes on-farm environmental sampling, think about how you would approach real-world data collection. Be ready to discuss your willingness to travel and how you would ensure effective sampling techniques in a commercial farm setting.