PhD Stipend in Automated Detection of Facial Expressions of Pain and Stress in Horses Using Computer Vision

PhD Stipend in Automated Detection of Facial Expressions of Pain and Stress in Horses Using Computer Vision

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, a 3-year PhD stipend is available within the study program of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The PhD stipend will be situated at Aalborg University. The position is available from July,1, 2024 or soonest thereafter. The Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology has as its goal the development of an innovative cluster of engineering-based environments for education and research which integrates creativity, engineering, and technology within the disciplines of architecture, urban design, industrial design, digital design and interactive media. The department is a leading research and educational environment in Denmark that addresses the challenge of the interplay between creativity and technology and develops new areas in research and education directed towards the end-user.

Jobbeskrivelse
The Visual Analysis and Perception Lab at Aalborg University invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellow working on novel algorithms for pain and stress detection in horses.

Recognition of pain and stress in animals is important to protect the well-being of animals. Existing work shows that pain and stress in horses may be manually recognized from the co-occurrence of certain facial activities, coded as Action Units(AU) in a facial action coding system. Based on existing datasets, this PhD project will strive to automate this process. First, the focus will be on research and development of novel computer vision methods capable of robustly detecting AUs. Next, the focus will be on novel AI methods for classifying normal vs. pain vs. stress faces. Lastly, head pose detection of horses in videos moving freely in a box stable will be the focus, such that we are able to identify the video segments with a near-frontal view of the head. This will allow us to validate the automated pain and stress classification algorithm on videos of horses under free-living conditions.

The candidate will be a member of the Visual Analysis and Perception Lab at Aalborg University where 25+ international researchers are working on a broad range of fundamental and applied research topics within AI and computer vision.

Qualification requirements

• Master's degree with a strong focus on computer vision and/or AI
• Proficiency in programming languages, e.g., Python
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An interest in animal welfare is judged positively

You may obtain further information from Associate Professor Rikke Gade, Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, phone:+45 2683 1996 or+45 9940 7124, email:[email protected] concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications, the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure, please contact Ms. Annemarie Davidsen, the Doctoral School at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email: [email protected].

For more information of the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design:www.phd.aau.dk/

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

Ansøgningsfrist
2024-05-01

Ref. nummer
7-24018