PhD in Sow & Piglet Welfare via PLF Tools — Ghent University

Key details

• Host institution: Ghent University
• Location: Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 33, Ghent, Belgium
• Application deadline: July 3, 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

Ghent University is seeking a PhD researcher to join a project focused on improving sow and piglet welfare through Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) tools. This full-time position is part of a joint FWO-funded collaboration between Ghent University and ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food).

Project Overview

The research project “Optimizing the welfare of sows and piglets in free-farrowing pens using Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) tools” aims to:

• Investigate sow behavior before and after farrowing, as well as interactions and spatial needs of sows and piglets in relation to housing, management, and confinement strategies.
• Develop and validate PLF tools for continuous monitoring of sow and piglet behavior on conventional and organic farms.
• Evaluate targeted interventions in controlled experiments to support the transition to more sustainable and animal-friendly free-farrowing systems.

Your Tasks

• Conduct in-depth analysis of behavior, physiology, and space use during farrowing, lactation, and weaning.
• Collect data on sow and piglet behavior and physiology on both conventional and organic pig farms.
• Design and evaluate interventions to improve welfare before and after weaning.
• Write scientific publications and translate results into practical applications.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team involving UGent (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Porcine Health Management Unit) and ILVO-ANIMAL and ILVO T&V.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine, Bioscience Engineering, or Biological Sciences, or an equivalent qualification, preferably with a focus on livestock.
• Interest in pig farming or livestock production.
• Interest in technical and management adjustments to improve sow and piglet welfare and health.
• Motivation to pursue a PhD.
• Knowledge of Dutch is highly recommended.
• Possession of a category B driving license (or willingness to obtain one in the short term).

We Offer

• A full-time doctoral fellowship position, initially for 12 months, with extension to a total maximum of 48 months after positive evaluation.
• Start date: October 1, 2026.
• Net fellowship amount equivalent to 100% of the salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances, determined by family status and seniority.
• Benefits include 36 days of holiday leave per year (full-time), annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.

Application

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if available), and a motivation letter by Friday, July 3, 2026 (11:00 AM) to [email protected] and Marijke Aluwé (Marijke.Aluwé@Ilvo.Vlaanderen.be).