Doctoral Fellow in Precision Livestock Farming for Pig Welfare – Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University invites applications for a full-time doctoral fellowship in the Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, focusing on animal welfare in pig farming through innovative Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technologies. This PhD position is part of the project “Optimizing the welfare of sows and piglets in free-farrowing pens using PLF tools,” a joint research initiative funded by FWO and conducted in collaboration with ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food).

The project aims to investigate sow and piglet behavior before and after farrowing, analyze their spatial needs, and develop PLF tools for continuous monitoring on both conventional and organic farms. Targeted interventions will be evaluated in controlled experiments, generating insights for sustainable and animal-friendly production systems and supporting the transition to free-farrowing systems in pig farming.

As a doctoral fellow, you will conduct in-depth analyses of behavior, physiology, and space use during farrowing, lactation, and weaning, and test interventions on commercial farms. Responsibilities include data collection, research on various farm types, designing and evaluating welfare interventions, scientific publication, and translating results into practical applications. You will collaborate with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Porcine Health Management Unit) at Ghent University and ILVO-ANIMAL and ILVO T&V, joining a broad interdisciplinary team. Ongoing related projects include PIGLIFE (piglet mortality) and FREEFARROW (free-farrowing system design and management optimization).

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine, Bioscience Engineering, Biological Sciences, or an equivalent qualification, preferably with a focus on livestock. Interest in pig farming, technical and management adjustments for welfare improvement, and motivation to pursue a PhD are essential. Knowledge of Dutch is highly recommended, and a category B driving license (or willingness to obtain one) is required.

The position offers a full-time contract for an initial 12 months, extendable up to 48 months after positive evaluation. The fellowship provides a salary at 100% of the net AAP member rate, tax-free, with benefits including training opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers. The contract starts October 1, 2026.

To apply, submit your CV, diploma, and motivation letter by July 3, 2026, to [email protected] and Marijke.Aluwé@Ilvo.Vlaanderen.be. Applications can also be submitted via the online portal. For further information, contact the supervisors directly.