PhD: Economic value of real-time video-based disease detection in pigs

Key details

• Host institution: Wageningen University and Research
• Location: Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands, Agriculture
• Supervisor / contact: Prof. Henk Hogeveen
• Supervisor email: [email protected]
• Application deadline: September 1, 2026

Funding

€3,059/month

How to apply

• Application portal / instructions: Official application link.
• Context on Euraxess: Original listing.

About the position

About the project

Wageningen University and Research invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the economic value of real‑time, video‑based disease detection in pigs. As precision livestock farming advances, automated monitoring systems that use artificial intelligence to identify early signs of disease offer significant potential to improve animal health, reduce antimicrobial use, and increase farm profitability. This research will quantify the economic benefits and trade‑offs associated with deploying such AI‑driven detection methods in commercial pig production systems. The successful candidate will develop economic models that incorporate disease dynamics, detection accuracy, treatment costs, and productivity impacts, ultimately providing evidence‑based guidance for technology adoption in the livestock sector.

Key responsibilities

• Design and conduct economic analyses of real‑time video‑based disease detection in pig herds.
• Integrate epidemiological and production data with economic modelling approaches.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of animal scientists, data scientists, and economists.
• Present findings at international conferences and publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of MSc students within the research group.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a strong academic background and a genuine interest in the intersection of animal production and economics. The ideal candidate holds an MSc degree in economics, animal science, or a closely related field. Essential qualifications include excellent analytical and quantitative skills, as demonstrated through coursework or previous research. Experience with economic modelling, cost‑benefit analysis, or agricultural production systems is highly valued. A demonstrated affinity with animal production—whether through studies, work experience, or practical exposure—is required.

Eligibility

• An MSc degree in economics, animal science, or a relevant discipline (completed or near completion).
• Strong analytical skills (e.g., statistics, econometrics, or mathematical modelling).
• Familiarity with animal production systems and an interest in livestock health and welfare.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Practical next steps

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full project description and application procedure on the official Wageningen University & Research vacancies page. The application should include a cover letter detailing your motivation and relevant experience, a curriculum vitae, and academic transcripts. For inquiries about the position, please refer to the contact details provided in the official listing. The deadline for submissions is specified on the university website. Only complete applications submitted through the designated online portal will be considered.