PhD Position in Animal Welfare and Cattle Fattening at Agroscope/BLV and BOKU

A new PhD position is available focusing on animal welfare and the fattening of bulls, offered by the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) in Posieux, Switzerland. The research will be conducted within the Farm Animal Welfare Group at Agroscope/BLV, in collaboration with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna. The project centers on applied research into the influence of feeding and husbandry conditions on the health and welfare of fattening cattle. Responsibilities include planning and conducting data collection on Swiss farms and in experimental facilities, analyzing results, publishing scientific papers, presenting findings at conferences, and supervising MSc and BSc students within an international research team. Applicants should hold an MSc in Biology, Agronomy, or a related field, and demonstrate enthusiasm for ethology, animal welfare, cattle husbandry, and applied research. Essential skills include independent and reliable work habits, solution-oriented thinking, strong communication and teamwork abilities, and active knowledge of two Swiss official languages (German required, French desirable), as well as very good English proficiency. A category B driving license is also required. The position is a fixed-term contract from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2030, with standard Swiss PhD salary and benefits, including support for work-life balance and professional development. The BLV is recognized for its commitment to good working conditions and employee health. To apply, candidates should submit their application via the official Swiss government job portal. For further information, contact Charlotte Goursot at the BLV. This opportunity is ideal for those passionate about animal welfare, evidence-based solutions in livestock management, and contributing to the well-being of both animals and society.