Usda Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview
The Precision Apiculture Research Group, headed by Dr. Vladimir Kulyukin in the School of Computing at Utah State University, is seeking a part-time Image Annotator to assist with the curation of FAIRHiveFrames, a large-scale dataset of annotated beehive frame images collected by USDA researchers between 2013 and 2022.
The dataset supports research in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and precision apiculture, with the long-term goal of developing automated methods for biological analysis of digital hive frame imagery.
The successful candidate will work closely with computer scientists and researchers involved in AI-intensive image analysis and biological measurement.
Responsibilities
The annotator will:

• Annotate digital hive frame images using specialized image annotation software;
• Label biologically meaningful categories such as: capped worker brood cells, capped drone brood cells, capped honey cells, pollen cells, uncapped nectar cells, bees, queen cups, and related hive-frame structures;
• Perform careful visual inspection of dense hive frame imagery;
• Participate in periodic annotation review and quality-control sessions;
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across large image collections.

Training in the annotation software and annotation protocol will be provided on site. The annotator will identify and label biologically meaningful hive-frame structures whose interpretation often requires practical beekeeping knowledge and careful visual judgment.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in practical beekeeping, apiculture, entomology, or closely related agricultural work;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform sustained visual analysis;
• Ability to interpret biologically meaningful structures in dense hive frame imagery;
• Basic computer proficiency.

Experience with beekeeping is especially valuable for interpreting biologically ambiguous regions.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• Experience performing hive inspections;
• Familiarity with brood, nectar, pollen, queen structures, and other hive-frame features;
• Background in entomology, biology, agriculture, or related disciplines;
• Prior experience with image annotation or biological imaging datasets;
• Interest in precision apiculture and precision agriculture.

Required Documents
Along with the online application, please include:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV".

The document listed below to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10":

• Cover letter describing your relevant background and experience, interest in the position, and how the position fits into your academic or career goals.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
$18/hour
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
The position involves prolonged periods of visual concentration and computer-based annotation work.
College/Department Highlights
The School of Computing has always had high standards and expectations for academic achievement. The department offers several levels of education in the Computer Science field: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science, Five Year BS/MS Program, Master of Computer Science, and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.
The College of Engineering at Utah State University is a regional leader in teaching and research. We are home to the world-famous Utah Water Research Laboratory and the National Science Foundation-funded ASPIRE Engineering Research Center for sustainable electrified transportation. Each year, our college welcomes an average of 2,600 undergraduate and 375 graduate students from around the globe. The college offers six ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees and nine graduate degree programs. In 2023, the college generated $40 million in research expenditures. Our award-winning faculty regularly secure competitive funding, and our students excel at national design and scholarships challenges. For more information, please visit: https://engineering.usu.edu/.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 12/2025
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:
Matthew Pinner
Executive Director
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
matthew.pinner@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
cody.carmichael@usu.edu
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 10/2025