K-State Olathe (https://olathe.k-state.edu/) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI & Computer Vision for Poultry Biosecurity to contribute to a USDA-funded research program. This is a 12-month term, renewable annually for up to 2 years contingent upon funding. The immediate supervisor for this position will be Professor Majid Jaberi-Douraki.
The purpose of this position is to develop an effective biosecurity strategy to protect commercial poultry meat and egg farms from infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by reducing contact with wild birds and waterfowl that may carry the virus. The project will focus on preventing these wild bird species from approaching farm facilities, ponds, equipment, and animal housing areas where they may transmit HPAI to domestic flocks. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead the visual data and analytics component of a field-deployed deterrent system designed to safely repel wild birds from poultry operations.
To achieve this objective, we will deploy technical monitoring devices to identify and track the species, timing, and frequency of wild bird activity near commercial farms. In response to detected threats, automated deterrent systems will be activated to emit targeted sound, light, and/or motion-based cues that safely repel birds without causing harm to either wild species or production poultry. The role will focus on establishing and analyzing visual surveillance zones around deterrent devices using trail camera systems and integrated device logs. The Postdoc will apply artificial intelligence and classical statistical modeling approaches to classify bird species, quantify activity patterns, and evaluate behavioral responses to sound, light, and motion-based deterrents. By integrating surveillance data with open-source migratory bird information and local weather conditions, the position will identify effective deterrent combinations and develop a data-driven decision matrix for alarm timing, frequency, and cue selection. The postdoc will: Apply artificial intelligence and classical statistical models to analyze bird behavior and identify the most effective combinations of deterrent cues; Develop a data-driven decision framework for alarm timing, frequency, and cue type (sound, light, and motion) to optimize deterrent effectiveness; and Contribute to the establishment of practical detection and response protocols for poultry producers.
All data will be securely stored on the 1DATA platform, with field observations validated through manual annotation by trained graduate students.
Kansas State University Olathe, founded in 2011, is the newest campus in the K-State system and serves Johnson County and the Greater Kansas City region. As a partner in the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, the campus supports higher education through a unique local investment. K-State Olathe focuses on industry-ready education, professional development, applied research, and regional workforce needs, with programs and partnerships in areas such as food science, animal health, advanced manufacturing, supply chain, community health, and food as medicine. Through academic programs, professional workshops, research facilities, and event space, the campus connects students, professionals, businesses, and community partners to education and innovation that create real-world impact.
This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is Hybrid eligible. This role is expected to be performed on-site approximately three (3) days a week.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: July 26, 2026
$50,000-$60,000 per year
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside the state of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
We use cookies.
Some are necessary to operate the website and its functions. Others help personalize, improve content and services to show you the most relevant job opportunities. With the decision "Accept essential only" we will respect your privacy and will not set cookies that aren't necessary for the operation of the site.