PhD position: Improving immunity in neonatal piglets
Utrecht University
Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Others
Do you want to improve piglet health? Start a PhD on the BABE project: Developing interventions to support immune development in neonatal pigs.
Do you want to bridge the gap between fundamental immunology and practical applications in the swine industry? You will work as a PhD candidate on the project “Betere Afweer voor Betere biggEn” (BABE), which aims to improve the health and welfare of piglets. Newborn piglets are highly vulnerable; their survival, vitality and long-term health depend on the early development of their immune system.
Your job
This project combines fundamental and applied research to strengthen the immune competence of suckling piglets, focusing on two main pillars:
Your Main Tasks Include
You will be enrolled in the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences and receive training and guidance for your research and professional development, providing an excellent foundation for an independent academic career. As part of your PhD, there are also opportunities to co-supervise Master’s students and participate in teaching.
Your qualities
About Us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University (https://www.uu.nl/en), the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/profile/strategic-themes). Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow (https://youtu.be/yHkvpRYVPiA).
At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.
Division Farm Animal Health
The Farm Animal Health division works to improve the health of farm animals. We do this from the perspective of socially responsible and sustainable livestock farming, in which animal health, animal welfare, food production and social expectations are taken into account in a coherent manner. With a diverse team of clinicians, teachers, technicians and researchers, we achieve our mission through education, research and social services. Research ranges from fundamental infection biology to theoretical epidemiology and more.
More information
For more information, please contact Dr. Lindert Benedictus at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/equality-diversity-inclusion) for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
The application deadline is 27 May 2026. Interviews will take place at the end of June / beginning of July.
Do you want to bridge the gap between fundamental immunology and practical applications in the swine industry? You will work as a PhD candidate on the project “Betere Afweer voor Betere biggEn” (BABE), which aims to improve the health and welfare of piglets. Newborn piglets are highly vulnerable; their survival, vitality and long-term health depend on the early development of their immune system.
Your job
This project combines fundamental and applied research to strengthen the immune competence of suckling piglets, focusing on two main pillars:
- optimising colostrum quality through maternal (sow) nutrition;
- evaluating early-life vaccination strategies.
Your Main Tasks Include
- Setting up and coordinating animal studies and sample collection.
- Developing and performing immunological assays in the lab.
- Processing and analyzing complex (omics) datasets.
- Writing scientific publications and presenting your results at (inter)national conferences.
You will be enrolled in the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences and receive training and guidance for your research and professional development, providing an excellent foundation for an independent academic career. As part of your PhD, there are also opportunities to co-supervise Master’s students and participate in teaching.
Your qualities
- You hold a Master’s degree in Life Sciences (e.g. Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Infection and Immunity).
- You have experience in, or a demonstrated interest in, immunology and at least one of the following areas: swine industry, nutrition, or data analysis.
- You communicate effectively in both written and spoken English and can act as a bridge between academic and commercial stakeholders.
- You are flexible and comfortable working in different locations and under varying conditions.
- You learn quickly and thrive in a multidisciplinary, multi-site research environment.
- You hold a valid Category B driver’s license, enabling you to travel to research sites.
- A position for one year, with the possibility of extension to a total of four years based on a positive assessment (go/no-go decision after the first year).
- A permanent employment contract;
- A working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
About Us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University (https://www.uu.nl/en), the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes (https://www.uu.nl/en/research/profile/strategic-themes). Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow (https://youtu.be/yHkvpRYVPiA).
At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.
Division Farm Animal Health
The Farm Animal Health division works to improve the health of farm animals. We do this from the perspective of socially responsible and sustainable livestock farming, in which animal health, animal welfare, food production and social expectations are taken into account in a coherent manner. With a diverse team of clinicians, teachers, technicians and researchers, we achieve our mission through education, research and social services. Research ranges from fundamental infection biology to theoretical epidemiology and more.
More information
For more information, please contact Dr. Lindert Benedictus at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home (https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/equality-diversity-inclusion) for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
The application deadline is 27 May 2026. Interviews will take place at the end of June / beginning of July.