Research Assistant in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health (Appointment until 29 February 2024) [Ref. C/R/497/09]

Project

Bioacoustics, Artificial Intelligence and Chicken Welfare

The Project aims to develop an automated system to monitor chicken welfare using their vocalisations; see the following references:

1. Mcloughlin M, Stewart R, McElligott AG (2019) Automated Bioacoustics: Methods in Ecology and Conservation and their Potential for Animal Welfare Monitoring. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 16, 20190225.
2. Herborn K, McElligott AG, Mitchell M, Sandilands V, Bradshaw B, Asher L (2020) Spectral entropy of distress calls as an iceberg indicator for chicken welfare. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 17, 20200086.
3. MAO A, Giraudet CSE, LIU K, De Almeida Nolasco I, XIE Z, XIE Z, GAO Y, Theobald J, Bhatta R, Stewart R, McElligott AG (2022) Automated identification of chicken distress vocalisations using deep learning models. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 19, 20210921.

Duties

The appointee is expected to use a bioacoustics and computing approach to further develop and refine the methods used in (3) above under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr. Alan McElligott. They shall assist in the design and research works for the project; be responsible for data collection (on farms) and analysis; prepare reports; organise stakeholder meetings; and perform any other project duties as assigned.

Requirements

A Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Bioacoustics/Electronic Engineering/Computing or any related disciplines, and no more than a total of 6 years of service at a University. Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English; and fluency in Chinese (including Putonghua), would be considered an advantage but not essential; a strong work ethic; ability to work as a good team-player and problem-solver; and willingness and ability to respond to challenges, and to acquire new skills are required.

(Those who have responded to the previous advertisement need not re-apply.)

Salary and Conditions of Service

Salary offered will be highly competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include leave, medical and dental consultations at the campus clinic.

Information and Application

Further information on the post and the University is available at http://www.cityu.edu.hk, or from the Human Resources Office, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong [Email : hrojob@cityu.edu.hk/Fax : 2788 1154 or 3442 0311]. 

To apply, please submit an online application. Applications will be reviewed on a continuing basis until the position is filled. Applications will receive full consideration and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The University’s privacy policy is available on the homepage.