Dairy Computer Vision Scientist

Dairy Computer Vision Scientist

Status: Full-Time (3-Year Limited Term, with Potential for Continuation)

Overview

Holstein Association USA, the world’s largest dairy breed organization, is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Dairy Computer Vision Scientist to contribute to the advancement of automated phenotyping of dairy cattle using machine vision. This unique opportunity allows the right candidate to join a transformative project that leverages cutting-edge deep learning techniques to revolutionize how conformation traits are evaluated in Holstein cattle—both phenotypically and genetically.

The selected candidate will work with an established and functional machine vision pipeline and be responsible for leading the refinement, validation, and optimization of trait estimation algorithms, supporting integration into genetic evaluation frameworks, and contributing to scientific publications and industry outreach.

This is a limited term position funded for 3 years, with the potential for renewal or continuation depending on performance and availability of funding.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the development and refinement of deep learning algorithms for estimating dairy cattle linear conformation traits from 3D image and video data.

· Collaborate with geneticists, engineers, and dairy industry experts to ensure the system aligns with breed improvement goals and commercial needs.

· Validate model outputs against manually scored phenotypes and genetic evaluations.

· Support data preprocessing, annotation standardization, and quality assurance of large-scale image datasets.

· Contribute to scientific publications, internal reports, and presentations at scientific and industry meetings.

· Assist in preparing datasets and model results for integration into genetic evaluation workflows.

· Ensure proper documentation of methods and maintain reproducible code in version-controlled environments.

Required Qualifications

· M.S., Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Computer Vision, Animal Science, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.

· Proven expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and model development in Python.

· Demonstrated experience with image-based phenotyping, computer vision applications, or related fields.

· Demonstrated publication record or project leadership in relevant scientific or technical areas.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience working with livestock imagery or behavior analysis in precision livestock farming.

· Strong understanding of the dairy industry and linear classification systems for dairy cattle.

· Knowledge of genetic evaluation systems and phenotypic data structure in animal breeding.

· Familiarity with 3D image processing or sensor fusion technologies.

· Experience with collaborative software development and cloud computing environments.

What We Offer

· A chance to directly impact the future of dairy cattle conformation evaluation with state-of-the-art tools.

· Access to decades of pedigree and phenotypic data, extensive field infrastructure, and collaborative partners in industry and academia.

· The opportunity to work on a pioneering phenotyping system already in place, with the mandate to lead the next stages of refinement and deployment.

· Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and tailored to a fixed-term research role.

How to Apply

In your cover letter, highlight your experience in computer vision, dairy science, and leadership of applied research projects.

Pay range: $90,000 - $110,000

The Holstein Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, complies with all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination, actual or perceived, based on race, creed, color, age, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression or any other characteristics protected by law.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Application Question(s):
• Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?
• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa)?
• Do you have the required qualifications as noted in the job ad?

Work Location: Remote

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