PhD Position in Quantitative Genetics of Behavioral Traits in Pigs and Chickens, Netherlands

  •  PhD
  •  21-Apr-2025
  •   Netherlands
  • $$  Fully funded position with a gross salary starting at €2,901 per month in the first year, rising to €3,707 in the fourth year (based on a 38-hour work week), plus excellent benefits including a December bonus, pension scheme, and partially paid parental leave

Wageningen University & Research is pleased to offer PhD Position in Quantitative Genetics of Behavioral Traits in Pigs and Chickens for talented and motivated students. The studentship is open for the academic session 2025/2026.

The PhD scholarship at Wageningen University & Research under the “Found In Translation (FIT)” project is open to candidates with a master’s degree in quantitative genetics, statistical genetics, animal breeding, or a related field. Applicants must have a strong interest in genetics, statistics, and computational biology, with experience or eagerness to learn programming (e.g., R, Python, Julia) and advanced genetic analyses (e.g., GWAS, genomic prediction).

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is a globally renowned institution based in the Netherlands, dedicated to advancing life sciences under the mission “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.” Combining Wageningen University with specialized research institutes under the Wageningen Research Foundation, WUR integrates education, research, and innovation to address critical global challenges in healthy food, sustainable agriculture, and living environments.

Wageningen Universiteit Information

Wageningen Universiteit Grants

PhD Position in Quantitative Genetics of Behavioral Traits in Pigs and Chickens, Netherlands Founded in 1918, Wageningen Universiteit (Wageningen University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the medium-sized town of Wageningen (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Gelderland. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands), Wageningen Universiteit (WU) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 9,000-9,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Wageningen Universiteit (WU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible Countries: All countries
  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in the field of quantitative genetics, statistical genetics, animal breeding, or related biological disciplines offered by Wageningen University & Research.
  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
    • Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field such as Quantitative Genetics, Statistical Genetics, Animal Breeding, or a related biological discipline.
    • Demonstrate a strong background and interest in genetics, statistics, and computational biology.
    • Have experience with or a keen interest in programming and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, Julia).
    • Show willingness to learn advanced genetic analysis techniques, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic prediction.
    • Possess effective communication skills in English (written and spoken) at a C1 level, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
    • Exhibit strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the capacity to handle challenges and maintain motivation.
    • Be willing to travel internationally for conferences and research collaborations.

Offered Benefits

  • A fully funded PhD position with a competitive salary (€2,901–€3,707 per month over four years).
  • Excellent terms of employment, including a fixed 8.3% December bonus, a strong pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible working hours for optimal work-life balance.
  • Access to sports facilities on campus and a tailored course program to support your research and professional development.
  • The opportunity to work in an international, interdisciplinary environment at one of the world’s leading life sciences universities, located on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands.
  • Support for international applicants, including visa assistance, tax exemptions (where applicable), and guidance on housing, schooling, and partner job opportunities.

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply directly through the application button on the vacancy page on the Wageningen University & Research website. For additional information about the vacancy, contact Dr. Pascal Duenk ( ) or Dr. Martijn Derks ( ). For procedural inquiries, reach out to Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter, at . The first round of interviews is scheduled for the week of April 28, 2025, with an intended start date of August 1, 2025.

If you think this scholarship can be helpful to somebody else, please share:

Subscribe for Scholarship Updates

Get a weekly email that thousands of students use to get the latest scholarships and grants.


** Scholarships.plus will not share your details without your permission.

Like our website? Follow us on Facebook

More Suggestions: