项目介绍

2025年5月11日

Job description

Are you determined to improve the circularity of pig production by feeding them exclusively on by-products? Do you like to develop methodologies to solve real-life practical problems? Do you like to study physiological responses of pigs fed on a large variety of by-products? Do you have the organization and communication skills to effectively work in a scientific-lab setting yet creating impact for farmers and feed producers? Do you thrive in a multidisciplinary team and have an interest in bringing fundamental science to practice? Then we are looking for you!

As a PhD candidate with affinity for digestive physiology, feed intake behaviour and animal nutrition, you will study ways to increase the contribution of byproducts in the nutrition of pigs, up to levels in which the use of grains and soybean meal can be avoided.

To achieve this aim, you will:

• Explore nutritional properties of different groups of byproducts that are available for pigs (e.g. milling-byproducts, high-fibre coproducts of food or fuel production, wet byproducts of food production, other byproducts of food production);
• Develop nutritionally sound concepts to study the feeding of these byproducts to pigs at levels beyond common practice;
• Conduct studies with pigs in both research and in practical settings to determine the effects of different categories of byproducts on nutrient digestion and feed intake regulation;
• Study digestive physiological responses and physico-chemical properties of the byproducts to understand their mode of action;
• Develop ways to include this information in feed databases, optimizing software for use by stake holders in the pig production chain.

The research is conducted as a collaboration between the Chair group of Animal Nutrition of Wageningen University and the Animal Nutrition department of Wageningen Livestock Research and is funded by a consortium of industrial partners.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair Animal Nutrition which is led by prof. Wouter Hendriks. The research is led by Prof. Walter Gerrits. You will be co-supervised by Dr Sonja de Vries and Dr Alfons Jansman.

Requirements

You have a keen interest in digestive physiology and quantitative nutrition in pigs and the scientific curiosity to truly understand the results of your studies. Moreover, you should be an effective communicator with organisation skills, as you will interact with various stakeholders.

You also possess:

• a successfully completed MSc degree in animal science, biology, veterinary medicine or a relevant related field;
• ability to perform independent studies in animal research facilities and laboratory;
• eager to learn and gain new experiences, as well as be excited to work together with various stakeholders in the project including experts, technicians, students and other participants;
• goal-oriented and strong collaborative skills with excellent communication skills in English (at C1 level) and in Dutch, both oral and in writing. More information about English language proficiency can be found here.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Conditions of employment

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 € 2.901,- per month rising to € 3.707,- 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.
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 19th 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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Employer

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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below 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.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Sonja de Vries, Sonja.devries@wur.nl or Dr Alfons Jansman, alfons.jansman@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Yvonne van Holland, yvonne.vanholland@wur.nl , 0317-482860.

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 26-05-2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.