Harper Adams University

Harper Adams University invites applications for a Self Funded PhD focused on Acoustic Monitoring and Artificial Intelligence for the assessment of Dairy Cattle Welfare. The role involves developing skills in programming, data analysis, and animal behaviour research while collecting sound data to improve welfare assessments. A Master's degree in a relevant field is required, and structured AI training will be provided.

Self Funded PhD: Acoustic Monitoring and Artificial Intelligence for Precision Assessment of Dairy Cattle Welfare Animal Health, Behaviour & Welfare Location: Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB PostType: Full Time ContractType: Fixed Term - 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 30 June 2026 Reference: PHD-GC-01 Acoustic Monitoring and Artificial Intelligence for Precision Assessment of Dairy Cattle Welfare Precision livestock farming is transforming how animal health and welfare are monitored on farms. However, many current monitoring systems rely primarily on visual or activity based sensors, meaning important behavioural and physiological signals may be missed. Sound within livestock environments contains a wealth of information about animal behaviour, health and emotional state, yet it remains relatively under utilised in commercial dairy systems. The successful candidate will undertake a structured training programme at the start of the PhD to develop skills in programming, data analysis, machine learning and signal processing. They will also gain experience in animal behaviour and welfare research, precision livestock technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration between animal science and data science. Responsibilities During the PhD, the research will involve: Collecting and analysing sound data from dairy housing environments. Linking acoustic patterns to behavioural and health indicators. Developing computational models capable of detecting meaningful welfare related signals. Exploring integration of acoustic information with other farm data to improve the reliability of automated welfare assessment. Working closely with the co supervisors at Harper Adams University and Nottingham Trent University. Qualifications Applicants must hold, or expect to hold, a Master's degree (MSc) in a relevant discipline such as: Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Sciences Animal Behaviour and Welfare Strong quantitative skills are desirable. Prior experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: Behavioural observation and welfare assessment Bioacoustics or signal analysis Programming in Python or R Statistical modelling Applicants without prior AI experience are encouraged to apply, as structured AI/ML training will be provided.

Assistant Developer (Full Time, Permanent) Information Services Location: Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB Salary: £32,080 to £34,610 per annum The point of entry will be dependent upon relevant qualifications and experience PostType: Full Time ContractType: Permanent ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 03 July 2026 Reference: KW-2134 Harper Adams University is seeking an Assistant Developer to work on various systems, who will be part of a small team providing professional expertise and technical skills in the development, integration, and interoperability of new and existing solutions to support university processes. These may include Business Administration systems - HR, Finance, Identity Management etc. MS365 Platform, including Dynamics, Power Automate, SharePoint and Office Applications Learning Systems, and Academic administration systems The successful candidate will support senior developers in providing professional expertise and technical skills to reimagine and optimise business systems, and to improve the customer experience. You'll work with a business analyst and developers, defining solutions, building, and testing - across the entire lifecycle. You'll also support the further integration of our systems, to improve our data driven approaches. In addition to development requirements, you'll carry out complex second line support, responding to business users and across the wider Information Services team. As such you'll need excellent communication skills, and work as a member of various teams in Information Services, and the wider University. If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact Henry Blackman, Director of IT by email - Although the role is based on Campus, there are options for agile working where appropriate.

Harper Adams University is looking for an Assistant Developer to join their Information Services team. This full-time, permanent role involves working on various systems such as HR, Finance, and Learning Systems, while providing technical expertise and support. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior developers, business analysts, and others to define, build, and test solutions, ensuring a better customer experience. Agile working options are available for this campus-based role.