PhD in Bovine Herd Health — Ghent University

Key details

• Host institution: Ghent University
• Location: Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 33, Ghent, Belgium
• Application deadline: September 1, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

About Ghent University

Ghent University is one of the largest and most dynamic employers in the region, employing 15,000 people across education, research, management, administration, and technical and social services. With 11 faculties and more than 100 departments offering research-driven study programmes in a wide range of academic fields, the university provides extensive career opportunities for both staff and students.

PhD position in Bovine Herd Health

This full-time temporary academic appointment (AAP) is available at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department DI08 – Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine. The position has one opening and is part of a doctoral research trajectory. The reference number is 202607DI08A008. Applications must be submitted by 01/09/2026 at 23:59 (Brussels time).

Your tasks

• Spend at least 50% of your time on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation on bovine herd health.
• Assist in teaching activities for the courses ruminant veterinary medicine and herd health.
• Support the department’s internal and external services.
• Participate in the night and weekend duties of the Ambulatory clinic.

What we are looking for

• A Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine, preferably with a major in Ruminants. The degree requirement must be fulfilled at the start of the appointment.
• For diplomas obtained outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) is required.
• Interest in academic and/or project-based research and services in the field of bovine herd health.
• Teaching experience or participation in extra training, conferences, or similar activities is recommended.
• Excellent teaching and communication skills, with fluency in Dutch to serve the clinic’s clients optimally.

What we offer

The appointment is for two years and may be renewed twice for two additional years, contingent on a positive evaluation of the previous term. If you have previously served as a junior assistant or doctoral fellow at a university within the Flemish Community, that period will be deducted from the maximum appointment term of six years under the Codex of Higher Education. The appointment can start no earlier than 15 September 2026. Remuneration is set according to salary scale AAP3. Staff benefits include a range of training opportunities, 36 days of paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, and ecocheques.

How to apply

Apply online via the e-recruitment system before the deadline. Late applications or submissions outside the online system are not accepted. Your application must include the following documents:

• In the ‘Cv’ field: your CV and an overview of your study results, merged into one PDF file.
• In the ‘Cover letter’ field: your application letter in PDF format.
• In the ‘Diploma’ field: a transcript of the required degree, if you already have it.
• If your foreign diploma is not in Dutch, French, German, or English, add a translation in one of these languages.
• In the ‘Certificate of equivalence’ field: for diplomas awarded outside the EU, a NARIC certificate is required. If you do not yet have it, you must provide proof of application by the start of the appointment. UK diplomas awarded before 31 January 2020 are exempt. Requests can be made via www.naricvlaanderen.be/en.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB. Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, and everyone is encouraged to apply.

More information

For inquiries about this vacancy, contact Prof. Geert Opsomer at [email protected] or +32 09/264.75.46. For questions about the online application process, consult the FAQ or contact [email protected].