PhD fellowship/scholarship, AI-augmented Physiological Modelling for Prediction and Mitigation of Heat Stress in Pigs

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Civil and Architectural Engineering programme. The position is available from 1 February 2027 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.

Title: AI-augmented Physiological Modelling for Prediction and Mitigation of Heat Stress in Pigs

Research area and project description: Heat stress is an increasing challenge to pig production and animal welfare, particularly during hot seasons. Effective mitigation requires not only the detection of elevated heat load, but also the ability to predict how animals respond dynamically and to determine when and how cooling interventions should be applied. Existing mechanistic thermal models provide an important basis for representing animal heat balance and physiological responses. However, their ability to incorporate real-time physiological observations, account for model assumptions and environmental stochasticity, and support timely intervention decisions remains limited. At the same time, purely data-driven black-box approaches are challenging to develop and validate when high-quality physiological datasets are limited, as is often the case in controlled animal experiments.

This PhD project aims to develop a physics-informed digital model for predicting and mitigating heat stress in pigs. Building on conventional mechanistic models of pig physiological responses, the project will investigate how physiological modelling can be combined with AI approaches to develop a more robust and interpretable representation of the pig’s thermal state. To further enhance the accessibility and practical use of the model, the project will also explore how large language models (LLMs) can be integrated with the physiological model to facilitate interactive exploration of model behaviour and predictions.

Qualifications and specific competences: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with: A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related filed. A strong academic background and interest in HVAC systems in buildings, and fluid and thermal systems modelling. Proven experience in data analytics, machine learning, and optimisation. Ability to program using Python, R, MATLAB or similar platforms. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams. Excellent written and spoken English skills. It is considered an advantage if you have: Knowledge of animal heat stress and animal welfare. Knowledge of Large Language Model, stochastic modelling, system identification. Experience with CFD simulations.

Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Inge Lehmanns Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.

Contacts: Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact: Associate Professor Li Rong, e-mail: li.rong@cae.au.dk (main supervisor) Assistant Professor Tao Huang, e-mail: taoh@cae.au.dk (co-supervisor) For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide . If answers cannot be found there, please contact: admission.gradschool.tech@au.dk

How to apply: Please follow this link to submit your application.

Application deadline is 30 November 2026 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 February 2027.

Please make a project description (½-4 pages). The project description should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.

Please note: Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be considered. The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

Formalities and salary range Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions. You will be employed as an academic staff member at basic salary grades 4–8. As a PhD fellow you will also receive a monthly non-pensionable allowance.

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 diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via the online recruitment system, which can be accessed under ‘How to apply’.