Postdoctoral researcher on monitoring tools for assessing animal health and welfare at the Depa[...]

Postdoctoral researcher position on monitoring tools for assessing animal health and welfare at the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our international team working on monitoring animal health and welfare.

The position is for two years and will commence December 1, 2026, or soon thereafter. The position is within the research section Management and Modelling.

The research section Management and Modelling develop methods and tools for herd management to promote animal welfare, green transition, and economic viability. Further, the section integrates, develops, and disseminates knowledge of farm animal management and relationships between actors and animals. Researchers in the section teach BSc, MSc and PhD in animal and veterinary science educations and conduct research-based public advice for national and international authorities on animal welfare and health.

The research section is a dynamic multidisciplinary research group including animal scientists, veterinarians, economists, statisticians, and anthropologists.

The position

We seek a post doc to evaluate data and monitoring tools for assessing animal health and welfare in all major livestock production systems (cattle, pig and poultry). The post doc will contribute to identification of animal-based indicators for pig welfare to be used in pig welfare inspection. The post doc will also contribute to the development of training materials in targeting pig welfare inspectors in EU member states.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a PhD or equivalent academic qualifications.
• Has research experience in monitoring animal welfare, health or production on any of the major livestock production systems (cattle, pigs or poultry).

Research tasks

• Evaluating data and monitoring tools for assessing animal health and welfare in cattle, pig or poultry
• Identification of animal-based indicators for pig welfare to be used in screening of pig welfare in relation to inspection
• Development and evaluation of training and testing programmes targeting European pig welfare inspectors

The preferred candidate will also engage in and further develop ongoing research and teaching within the Management and Modelling group.

What we offer

• A well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment and animal-experimental facilities
• An informal and multicultural research environment with high professionalism and close collaboration and networking activities
• A workplace characterized by equality and a good work-life balance, and an open discussion across different fields of research.

Who we are

Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences is well-known for its skilled and very innovative interdisciplinary research environments with high international impact. We perform world-class research, which contributes with solutions to solve essential societal challenges within the green transition: food production and veterinary medicine - nationally and globally.

The department generates novel research at the highest international level within sustainable food production, environment, climate, and health and welfare for animals and humans. The activities form the basis for the research-based public sector consultancy and degree programs covering bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programs within animal science and veterinary medicine. We offer a lively, engaged and innovative learning and study environment, which is closely integrated in the research environment.

ANIVET has unique and advanced animal experimental research facilities and technologies, situated in close connection to the research environment, and a comprehensive national and international research network and good industrial and professional collaboration.

Please refer to Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences (au.dk) for further information about the department; https://anivet.au.dk/en

Contact

Further information on the position may be obtained from Head of Research Unit, Professor Jan Tind Sørensen, phone: +4520783343, email: jantind.sorensen@anivet.au.dk .

The place of work is the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU Viborg, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, and the area of employment is Aarhus University (AU) with related departments.

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and