Research assistant (postdoc) (m/f/d) full-time job limited to 31.03.2031 salary grade (Entgeltg[...]

The DFG Graduate School 3RTG Calls For Applications Of Positions At Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Koch-Institut And Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover

Assessment of Behaviour and Stress to Understand and Improve Veterinary Infectious Disease Models

The interdisciplinary 3RTG Graduate School invites applications for PhD positions in the field of infectious disease research using animal models. Our program focuses on understanding host‑pathogen interactions across species (mice, chickens, pigs, dogs) using well‑established viral (e.g., Marek's disease virus, Theiler virus, Hepatitis E), bacterial (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius), and parasitic (e.g., Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Giardia muris) infection models.

While animal models remain essential in studying systemic infectious processes, immune responses, and evaluating therapies, refinement measures to reduce stress and improve welfare in experimental animals are underexplored. In this 3RTG, we will address the central hypothesis that these infections cause general stress responses and behavioural changes, which can be assessed metabolically or by video observation and AI analysis. New insights into these stress responses and behavioural changes will increase our knowledge of the respective diseases while contributing to minimise the disease burden on the experimental animals. Our strategy will allow us to compare stress responses and behavioural data between different species and classes of pathogens, leading to important synergies by using standardised methods.

The 3RTG Program Provides a Unique Opportunity To

• Conduct research at the intersection of infection biology, animal welfare, and digital analytics
• Develop and apply innovative technologies for behavioural monitoring and stress assessment
• Work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment with access to advanced infrastructure
• Receive structured training in infection biology, animal models, and the 3R principle

Job Description

Technische Universität Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Sciences invite applications for a Post Doc position at the 3RTG.

Al based assessment of behaviour and thermal changes in veterinary infectious disease models (Project P08: Prof. Thöne-Reineke)

Working Field

• Video-based action recognition for various laboratory animal species (pig, dog, chicken, mouse)
• AI-based analysis of well‑being
• Multi‑modal (video, thermography, acoustic, RFID) analysis
• Research, development and implementation of deep‑learning approaches
• Network architecture search
• Real‑time image analysis
• Establishing multi‑modal analyses
• Interaction within the 3RTG in an interdisciplinary manner
• Integration of data within all projects and comparative analyses
• Compilation of the results for presentations, project reports, and publications

Responsibilities include scientific research within the project and academic services in the 3RTG. The position requires participation in research colloquia, lecture series and workshops, as well as an active engagement in the 3RTG activities.

Requirements

Successfully completed university degree (Master's, Diploma or equivalent) and relevant PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.

Desirable

• Very good programming skills
• Intensive up‑to‑date knowledge and experiences in computer vision or pattern recognition or applied mathematics
• Interests in cooperation with veterinary‑medicine research groups and big data analyses (statistics)
• Interest in behavioural biology, animal welfare and laboratory animal science
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken
• A keen interest in understanding behaviour and strong communicative skills required for interdisciplinary research
• Conscientious work approach, flexibility, good time management, and ability to work in a team

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