PhD position in nutrition and survival of newborn piglets

Overview

PhD position in nutrition and survival of newborn piglets

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Project description

We seek to appoint a highly motivated PhD fellow interested in immunology, neurology and the development of novel nutritional interventions for newborn piglets. The candidate should preferably have a veterinary background or research experience in animal models of neonatology. The PhD position is part of a project funded by Grøn Udviklings- og Demonstrations-Program (GUDP). The overall aim is to establish and test a novel colostrum-replacer to improve survival of at-risk neonatal piglets. The project involves industry partners and includes in vivo work, laboratory endpoints in neurology, immunology, physiology and pathology, and collaborations with experts in neuroscience and immunology.

Principal supervisor

Professor Thomas Thymann, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen. E-mail: Direct phone: (+ or mobile: (+ .

Start and duration

Start: 1 January 2026. Duration: 3 years as a PhD fellow.

Job description and responsibilities

Your key tasks as a PhD fellow are:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points
• Participate in active research environments including a stay at another research institution
• Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Write a PhD thesis based on your project

Qualifications and assessment criteria

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a Master’s degree related to the subject area of the project, e.g. medicine, biomedicine, immunology, microbiology, biology, veterinary medicine.

• The grade point average achieved
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Previous publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional activities
• Curious mindset with a strong interest in neonatal health and diseases
• Relevant experience with animal models and laboratory skills related to molecular biology
• Language and interpersonal skills

Place of employment

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Facilities include modern laboratories and animal facilities with connections to hospitals.

Terms of employment

The employment as PhD fellow is full time for 3 years and conditioned upon enrolment as a PhD fellow at the Graduate School. The PhD study must be completed in accordance with applicable rules and ministerial orders. Salary starts at 29,310 DKK/month plus pension (April 2025 level), depending on seniority.

Application procedure

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking “Apply Now.” Include in PDF format:

• Motivated letter of application (max one page)
• Curriculum vitae with education, experience, language skills and relevant skills
• Master of Science diploma and transcript of records (or certified copies if not completed)
• Publication list (if possible)

Application deadline: 13 October 2025, 23:59 CET. We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline or applications that do not meet requirements.

Further information

Interviews are expected to be held in October/November 2026. General information about PhD study is available at the Graduate School website. For specific information about the PhD fellowship, contact the principal supervisor Thomas Thymann.

About the faculty

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is part of the University of Copenhagen, committed to high standards in research and teaching. The university invites all regardless of background to apply.

Application deadline Employment start Working hours

Full time

Department/Location

Institut for Veterinær- og Husdyrvidenskab

Note: This description reflects the information provided in the original posting and has been reformatted for clarity and accessibility. It does not introduce new factual details.

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