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

About the role

Are you passionate about improving animal welfare and making livestock farming more sustainable? Do you want to connect cutting-edge AI technology with real-world farming to unlock its economic value? This PhD position at Wageningen University & Research offers a unique opportunity to conduct impactful research at the intersection of economics, animal science, and artificial intelligence.

Feeding a growing global population sustainably is a major challenge. While diets are shifting toward plant-based options, livestock production remains essential. Improving animal welfare while reducing environmental footprint is critical to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Wageningen University (WUR) and the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e) have developed vision-based measurement of animal welfare in production animals. In the NWO-funded RealTimeAI4Livestock project, these technologies are being further developed for breeding for animal welfare and early disease detection. Early detection can improve animal welfare and enable more efficient farmer interventions.

The goal of this PhD project is to gain insight into the economic value of using AI vision-based technology in animal farming. While these technologies have great potential to improve animal welfare, their adoption depends on farmers perceiving sufficient economic benefits. This research will help bridge that gap.

Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Collaborate with researchers at WUR and TU/e, as well as breeding companies, technology developers, and other industry partners.
• Conduct research on the economic value of real-time video-based disease detection in pigs.
• Work within the Business Economics group (BEC) at Wageningen University, with co-supervision from the Animal Breeding and Genetics group (ABG).
• Contribute to the broader RealTimeAI4Livestock project and its goal of bringing AI-driven animal welfare monitoring to practice.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated MSc graduate with the following profile:

• An excellent MSc degree in economics, animal science, or another relevant discipline. In your application, explain why your background makes you suitable.
• Affinity with animal production.
• Experience with participatory research methods is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English at C1 level or equivalent.
• Experience with scientific writing and publishing is a plus.

What we offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment, including:

• A fully funded PhD position with a gross salary starting at €3,059 per month in the first year, rising to €3,881 per month in the fourth year (scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, CAO-NU), based on a full-time working week of 38 hours.
• A temporary contract for 12 months, extended to 4 years total upon satisfactory performance.
• A course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
• An excellent pension scheme.
• Work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open environment.
• Support for international employees: our advisors assist with visa procedures for you and your family. The International Community page and Welcome Center provide practical information on housing, banking, dual career programs, and schooling. Certain international staff may be eligible for a partial tax exemption during the first five years in the Netherlands.

How to apply

To apply, submit your application via the apply button on our website. Your application must include a motivation letter of maximum one page, stating why you are interested and what experience you have that addresses the project.

The vacancy is open until 31 August (interviews will be held in the second week of September, online or on-site).

Wageningen University & Research values diversity and inclusion. We aim to create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience.

For more information about the position, please contact prof. Henk Hogeveen or dr Mariska van der Voort. For procedural questions, contact Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter. (Contact details are available on the university website – please do not use employment agencies.)

Original vacancy