PhD position: improving young animals’ survival rate using sensor technology responsible for data collection and analysis
Do you have a clear interest in precision livestock farming, smart sensing and animal science? Do you want to participate in the team of leaders in Precision Livestock Farming at Wageningen University & Research, Twente University, and Nedap? Are you willing to help our researchers find answers to the challenges of the animal monitoring? Then you might be the perfect fit for our project ‘the Youngsters’!
The first days in the life of young animals are critical, and extra attention from the caregiver is required to prevent vulnerable or weak animals from dying. In order to support farmers and/or caretakers, this project explores the added value of a combination of different sensing methods and artificial intelligence technologies detecting behaviour, position, activity, weight, temperature and heart rate on or in the environment of the young piglets and calves. We aim to provide farmers with a highly detailed insight into the risk factors of the individual newly born animal as well as whole herd by combining knowledge from animal sciences with sensor technology and advanced data analytics.
As PhD candidate in this project, you will work closely together with practice and another PhD candidate responsible for data collection and analysis using on-body and off-body smart sensor systems. Your work includes 1) transforming animal features, position, activities and physiological vital signs derived from sensor data into health and welfare indicators, 2) combining the different health and welfare indicators in multi-variate models to predict the risk of an animal getting sick or dying, 3) developing a toolbox for farmers, integrating the risk and status indications, early warning system, and impact analysis of human intervention, and 4) implementing and evaluating the toolbox in practice.
We ask
- An MSc degree in animal sciences, veterinary science, data science, computer science or a related field
- A hands-on mentality, preferably with experience with animals
- A proven affinity with farming systems and/or animal science, and data analysis.
- Creative and innovative skills.
- You have a very good level of oral and written English (a minimum of CEFR C1 level). You are required to show us a certification of English skills. For more information about the required level please take a look at: https://www.wur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/PhD-Programme/English-language-requirements.htm;
- you meet all the entry requirements of the WUR PhD programme.
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally for visits to research institutes and farms and attend conferences.
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- study leave and partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 2.443,- per month rising to € 3.122,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. Parttime employment is also possible (minimum 4 days per week).
There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
More information
Do you want more information?
For more information about the vacancy, please contact dr M (Marjolein) Derks (marjolein.derks@wur.nl) or prof. dr. ir. PJM (Paul) Havinga (p.j.m.havinga@utwente.nl)
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including May 1st, 2022. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on May 9th.
We are
Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.
With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.
Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.