At the Department of Biosystems of the KU Leuven (University of Leuven, Belgium), the Center for Animal Breeding and Genetics conducts research in genetics and genomics of farm and pet animals. We have an open, full-time PhD position to work on breeding more sustainable sheep in collaboration with the Animal Health Care Flanders (DGZ Vlaanderen).
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Project
StrongSheep is a project aiming to make Flemish sheep farming more sustainable by focusing on selection for increased resistance to gastrointestinal parasites, in combination with the conservation of genetic diversity in our local sheep breeds. To this end, innovative technologies are developed, optimized and implemented that combine the latest developments in genomics with an IT application to collect data on a large scale. Flemish sheep farming needs extensive professionalization in order to be future-proof as sheep play an important role in sustainable landscape management and valorization of grasslands.
Your research as a PhD candidate will focus on new techniques to assess parasite burden (nemabiome), and on developing genomic tools to monitor diversity and aid selection.
After completion of the PhD training program you will have acquired the skills needed for a scientist who is ready for future challenges. This means that you will be conducting cutting-edge research in genomics and bioinformatics under the close supervision of prof. Nadine Buys and dr. Steven Janssens, collaborate with your colleagues (within and outside the lab) and participate in the daily activities of the lab. You are encouraged to supervise master thesis students, participate in national and international conferences and disseminate your research results in scientific publications.
Profile
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative PhD-candidate who:
- holds a European master’s degree (or equivalent) in Bioscience Engineering, Veterinary sciences, Biomedical sciences or similar and obtained this degree with distinction (cum laude),
- has knowledge of animal breeding, genomics or has a background in bio-informatics,
- is keen to work with animals (prior experience is a plus),
- has a FELASA B certificate or is willing to acquire it,
- is a team player with a critical mind,
- is eager to learn new techniques or methods,
- can work independently and accurately,
- speaks fluently Dutch and English. Knowledge of Dutch is preferred, as communication with farmers will primarily be in Dutch,
- is eligible to apply for a personal PhD grant (e.g. FWO fellowship: https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/phd-fellowships/ ).
Offer
We offer you a full-time PhD position for 4 years, starting on October 1st, 2025, and pending on a positive evaluation by your PhD committee after year 1. Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions ) and you will benefit from the Belgian strong social security as well. You will be part of a highly motivated and collaborative research team, where members actively support each other’s growth and development. You can expect a stimulating and encouraging environment in which your contributions are valued and your development as an independent researcher is a shared priority. Our team will support you to successfully obtain a PhD degree via an in-depth scientific training at a top-ranked university. You will receive advanced training in animal genomics and bio-informatics and have access to state-of-the-art genomics techniques. You will have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings and establish your own network, as well as to publish your results in respected academic journals. In addition, you receive career guidance and are encouraged to develop soft skills for science-adjacent careers in policy or communication via the Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd)
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Nadine Buys ([email protected]) or Dr. Steven Janssens ([email protected]).
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
