Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (have obtained distinction) preceded by a Bachelor’s degree, in bioscience engineering (animal or nutritional science, agricultural science), biology, veterinary science, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
They should demonstrate:
1. A strong interest in poultry and pig feed evaluation, animal nutrition and gastrointestinal physiology
2. An interest in sustainable livestock production
3. Good analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills
4. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
5. Willingness to perform animal trials
6. Strong written and spoken English communication skills
These points are considered a plus:
7. Being fluent in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch
8. First-hand lab experience
9. Competence in data handling and statistical analysis (e.g. R, SAS, or similar tools)
10. Having a driver license
During this doctoral research project, we aim to promote animal health and welfare without negatively impacting the growth performance by optimizing feed structure (particle size and distribution, and fiber fractions) of pigs and broiler diets. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) as an inline method for determining feed structure in pellets, with the aim of achieving faster and more accurate analysis during feed production.
In the first year, the focus will be on gaining insight into the impact of feed technology on feed structure. This will be done in the new feed pilot at ILVO. In the second and third years, the effects of feed structure on health and growth performance will be investigated. For this purpose, farm and slaughter house visits will be planned, with accompanying sampling and analysis of feed structure, scoring of gastrointestinal health, and evaluation of animal welfare. Besides, pig and a broiler trials will be conducted at ILVO to further test the optimal feed structure. Intestinal health will be further investigated using macroscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal morphology and microbiota analysis. The potential of NIRS as a rapid analysis method within the feed line will be explored during both the farm visits and the planned animal trials.
This doctoral research is part of a project where collaboration with sector stakeholders (e.g., feed companies) is essential. Some of the practical work will take place in Merelbeke-Melle at ILVO, and some will be conducted in the NAMES lab at KU Leuven (Heverlee campus). Flexibility is thus highly important in being present in the location where needed for the research. The candidate will therefore be based at two institutions and will be enrolled as a doctoral student at KU Leuven, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering. NAMES lab, Department Biosystems (KU Leuven): The Nutrition & Animal Microbiota EcoSystems Lab is led by professor Nadia Everaert. Her research group studies microbiota colonization, gut health & gut function in monogastric species such as poultry & pigs. The NAMES Lab investigates host-microbiota interaction & its impact on gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, through in vivo experiments & in vitro models. The NAMES Lab aims to improve animal performance & health by nutritional manipulations to make chickens & pigs more resilient to antigen & environmental stressors. ILVO’s Animal Sciences Unit conducts innovative research to support sustainable and responsible livestock production. Their work focuses on improving animal welfare, optimizing nutrition, and reducing environmental impact, while ensuring high-quality and safe animal products. They study feed efficiency, emissions, animal health, welfare and behavior, and develop practical solutions for farmers and the agri-food sector. Through collaboration with national and international partners, ILVO aims to create resilient food systems that balance economic viability, ecological responsibility, and societal acceptance. We offer a 4-year PhD research position in a stimulating international work environment at one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally-oriented university that conducts both fundamental and applied scientific research with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and international excellence. You will be embedded in an experienced, dynamic and multi-disciplinary team, and will have the opportunity to work on innovative approaches with access to state-of-the-art facilities. As part of your doctoral program at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering (FBIW), you will have the possibility to engage in diverse training, educational and career development activities. You will be based in Leuven (KU Leuven) and in Merelbeke-Melle (ILVO). Flexibility is thus highly important in being present in the location where needed for the research.