Animal Rights Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
SRGV9078
Working Title
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Number of Vacancies
1
Location
Edinburg, Texas
Department
College of Sciences/ Ctr VectrBrne Zoontc Emgng Dis
FTE
1
FLSA
Exempt
Scope of Job
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a two-year research project funded through a USDA-APHIS New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge grant. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop and implement innovative research integrating machine learning, computer vision, and wildlife monitoring applications. Under limited supervision, the Postdoctoral Fellow will collaborate with the PIs to design and conduct field- and modeling-based research. In this position the Fellow will: Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models for image processing and automated detection of animal infestations, wounds, and other indicators of susceptibility to myiasis; and apply computer vision approaches using imagery collected from drone-mounted cameras and other high-resolution imaging platforms to support the early detection of infestations in wildlife populations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, wildlife health, and biosecurity while working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
Description of Duties
Specific responsibilities include: Train machine learning models for image processing and automated detection of animal infestations, wounds, and other indicators associated with susceptibility to myiasis; Design and implement computer vision workflows for analyzing imagery from drone-mounted cameras and other high-resolution imaging platforms; Apply machine learning and computer vision tools to support the early detection and monitoring of infestations in wildlife populations; Assist in developing ecological and habitat models to support surveillance and management strategies; Assist in preparing progress reports and updates; Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project; Lead the preparation of manuscripts for publication; Drive university vehicles to field sites.
Supervision Received
General supervision from grant PI and Co-PIs.
Supervision Given
May assist in supervising graduate and undergraduate students.
Required Education
Doctoral degree from an accredited University with a degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, ecology, wildlife biology, engineering, or related field.
Preferred Education
None.
Licenses/Certifications
As condition of employment this position requires the applicant to be authorized to operate a University-Owned Vehicle for Official University Business. Per University of Texas System Policy 157, applicants will be subject to a motor vehicle record check for their most recent thirty-six (36) month history. Out of State Drivers are required to submit a 36-month history MVR from their prior State of residence(s).
Required Experience
None.
Preferred Experience
None.
Equipment
Use of personal computer and proficiency in software and research statistical applications. Experience or training and deploying models on Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware.
Working Conditions
Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment; some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other
This is a trainee position subject to a specific time as agreed to by stakeholders.
Physical Capabilities
N/A
Employment Category
Full-Time
Minimum Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Posted Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date
09/15/2026
Grant Funded Position
Yes
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date
07/19/2028
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
Date of BirthGender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.
Quick Link
https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/52027