Researcher Sensor-based data science in Animal Physiology and Welfare

Are you a researcher eager to apply your knowledge and expertise to investigate animal physiology, behaviour and welfare using sensor data? Do you have a strong background in data analyses based on wearable sensors (e.g. for activity, heart rate measurements), as well as visual, auditory and/or olfactory recordings? Would you like to work on innovations in advanced data science approaches and are you interested in domesticated animal health, welfare and resilience? Does working in a multidisciplinary team with researchers of different backgrounds appeal to you? In case your answer is ‘yes’’, we invite you to explore the position we offer at Wageningen University and Research.

The position
As a researcher within the Adaptation Physiology group of Wageningen University and Research, you will be involved in several projects running in our group. In all of these projects, we aim to investigate health, welfare and resilience of animals (currently mainly cattle, pigs and poultry) from a physiological and behavioural point of view. In our studies, we collect large-scale physiological and behavioral data, both at individual and group level, in longitudinal studies. Current data types include video recordings, acceleration measurements and feed intake records, auditory data, and olfactory data. Sensor-based observations are currently an integral part of our measurements to understand the physiology and behaviour of animals. You will be involved in the selection and validation of sensors that can be used for animals, and analysis of the data, including the development of algorithms. You are up-to-date with existing sensor and data science and you advice and collaborate with the other researchers in the group focusing on advanced data science techniques and the use of sensors within our research projects.

You will work at the Adaptation Physiology group
The Adaptation Physiology group (ADP) studies how adaptation to a changing and challenging environment impacts welfare, health and resilience of animals. We do this in a multidisciplinary manner, by combining expertise in energy metabolism, behaviour, immunology, reproductive physiology and modelling. We contribute to the quality of life by providing knowledge about conditions that facilitate welfare, health and resilience in animals. The Adaptation Physiology group comprises over 50 members from diverse international backgrounds, including 16 scientific staff members, 27 PhD candidates and seven research assistants. The Adaptation Physiology group is one of the 12 chair groups within the department of Animal Sciences. We have strong collaborations with other research groups within and beyond this department. Collaborations also exist with data science and computational groups within and outside WUR.

You are a real teamplayer, so you are able a to work in a multidisciplinary team. You are effective in organizing your own work and assisting other researchers in achieving an efficient workflow. You have the ability to act as an intermediate between ADP and data science and computational groups (within and outside WUR).

You also possess:

• A PhD degree in a relevant field;
• Expertise in advanced data science approaches (e.g., machine learning, time series forecasting, pattern recognition, computer vision, integration of data from different sources);
• Expertise in use and validation of sensors related to health, welfare and resilience measurements of animals;
• Proven affinity with animal health, physiology and behaviour;
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written form in English.

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1 If you do not yet have this level, we will of course help you and you can go to our language center Wageningen in'to Language

You can see that there are plenty of challenges ahead of you. These challenges can also be seen as development opportunities. So if you do not yet have the track-record required in the vacancy, but do have solid work experience, we would also like to invite you to apply.

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

• sabbatical leave, 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, 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 of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between €3378,- and €5331,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). Additionally, a contract for 0,8 FTE can be discussed. Initially, we offer you a one-year contract, which will then be extended to an open-ended contract if there is mutual enthusiasm. Of course, we would be happy to discuss this with you if you have any questions.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. 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 20th 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.

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 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.

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.

For more information about this position, please contact Bas Kemp, chair group leader Adaptation Physiology Group by e-mail bas.kemp@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.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 Monday April 21, 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on Wednesday April 30 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

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.

For more information about this position, please contact Bas Kemp, chair group leader Adaptation Physiology Group by e-mail bas.kemp@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.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 Monday April 21, 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on Wednesday April 30 2025.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

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.