Researcher in livestock welfare and cognition

Department of Biosystems and Technology The Department of Biosystems and Technology at SLU is seeking a researcher in animal welfare and cognition. The position is located at the Department of Biosystems and Technology (BT), SLU Alnarp, in Prof. Rørvang's research group on animal welfare and behavior in livestock. BT brings together expertise in ethology, animal science, veterinary medicine, technology, and computer science. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) conducts research and education on the interaction between humans, animals, and ecosystems, as well as the use of natural resources. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, with operations also at research stations and educational sites throughout the country. About the job The position involves leading a research project to develop and validate an automated, non-invasive device to measure the welfare status of pigs. The position is primarily located at SLU Alnarp, but also includes collaboration with a research group in the United Kingdom and requires the position holder to work abroad for longer periods, up to several consecutive months. The duties include: design and implementation of cognitive test paradigms as well as development work of equipment together with engineers and computational neuroscientists at the host institution; statistical and computational modeling of behavioral data (including Bayesian methods); data collection on farms in collaboration with producers; scientific publication and dissemination; teaching within SLU's courses. Qualifications Requirements: • This is a position for early-career researchers: applicants must have obtained their doctoral degree within four years from the start date of employment • Doctoral degree in biology, ethology, behavioral neuroscience, or a related field, with a focus on animal cognition, emotions, or human–animal interaction • Experience using technology such as IRT, EEG, and HRV sensors to assess physiological, neurological, and affective states in animals • Experience in designing and conducting comparative behavioral studies across species boundaries, beyond traditional laboratory rodents • Documented experience of independently leading large-scale field studies at multiple locations with external stakeholders such as farmers or animal owners • Knowledge of advanced quantitative methods for behavioral data, including Bayesian statistics • Very good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English, as well as the ability to work and communicate with international research partners and agricultural stakeholders • Willingness and ability to travel and work abroad for longer periods, several consecutive months at a time, due to the project's collaboration with a British research group • Teaching experience at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels Merit: • Experience in standardized coding of facial expressions (e.g., FACS-based methods) to assess emotional states in animals • Experience working with livestock and production environments • Established scientific network relevant to the project's host and home research groups • Documented experience in science communication and public engagement • Experience supervising undergraduate, master's, or doctoral students This is a specialized research position. Applicants are expected to meet almost all of the above criteria to be able to carry out the project's work plan, from equipment development to validation on farms. About us More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/biosystem-teknologi/ Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Location: Alnarp. Longer periods of work abroad (United Kingdom) are required, in connection with the project's international collaboration. Employment form: Permanent employment. SLU may apply a probationary period. Extent: 100% Start date: 1 December 2026 Application: Welcome with your application, including CV, publication list, and a personal letter describing your relevant research experience, via the application button below no later than 2026-10-08. Union contact persons: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.