Research Associate – Comparative Psychology in Animals

University of Pennsylvania; Kennett Square (Chester County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Clinical Studies – New Bolton Center seeks a Research Associate to advance non-invasive, automated approaches to sow welfare assessment. The role involves on-farm experiments, data collection with advanced sensors, and collaborative work with experts in behavior, engineering, and data science.

You will execute controlled behavioral tests, implement computer vision systems, and analyze large datasets to inform housing improvements, while mentoring

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (animal behavior, welfare, or science).
• Experience with animal behavioral research.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills.
• Proficiency in R or similar tools.
• Ability to work independently and on farms.

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and conduct controlled behavioral experiments.
• Manage and execute on-farm research trials, including animal handling and monitoring.
• Implement and support computer vision systems for automated behavioral tracking.
• Collect and process biological samples (e.g., salivary cortisol).
• Conduct biomarker assays on these biological samples.
• Conduct behavioral assays such as open field and novel object tests.
• Process and analyze large datasets using statistical tools.
• Contribute to publications and reports.
• Train and mentor students.

Skills

Animal behavior research

Statistical analysis

R programming

Independent work

Farm work

Education

PhD in animal science/behavior/welfare

Tools

R

Job description

The Department of Clinical Studies – New Bolton Center is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research team focused on developing novel, non-invasive, automated, and objective approaches to assessing sow welfare and well-being. The successful candidate will play a central role in executing controlled behavioral experiments, implementing computer vision-based monitoring systems, and researching chronic biomarkers of welfare in pigs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s Swine Teaching and Research Center.

This position involves a combination of on-farm experimental work, data acquisition using advanced sensing technologies, and quantitative data analysis, with close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Thomas Parsons, and collaborators in animal behavior, engineering, and data science. The overarching goal is to generate robust, animal-based data to inform evidence-based improvements in sow housing systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and conduct controlled behavioral experiments.
• Manage and execute on-farm research trials, including animal handling and monitoring.
• Implement and support computer vision systems for automated behavioral tracking.
• Collect and process biological samples (e.g., salivary cortisol).
• Conduct biomarker assays on these biological samples.
• Conduct behavioral assays such as open field and novel object tests.
• Process and analyze large datasets using statistical tools.
• Contribute to publications and reports.
• Train and mentor students.

Working Conditions

A combination of laboratory, office, and farm-based work. Regular interaction with animals.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (animal behavior, animal welfare, animal science…)
• Experience with animal behavioral research.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills.
• Proficiency in R or similar tools.
• Ability to work independently and on farms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with computer vision or machine learning.
• Familiarity with swine production systems.
• Experience with sensor technologies.
• Prior publications.
• Postdoctoral experience.
• Grant writing experience.
• Veterinary training.

The application should include a letter of intent, a current curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.