Doctoral; PhD position in “Assessment of food-industry co-products as protein feed in pig diet

Catholic University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium

Organisation/Company Catholic University of Leuven, KU Leuven, Belgium Department Department of Biosystems Research Field Agricultural sciences » Zootechnics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 1 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38 Offer Starting Date 1 Jul 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) FEATURE (Future feeds for sustainability in European livestock production) invites applications for one fully funded 36-month full-time PhD position at KU Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium).

This doctoral project will investigate the potential of alternative protein feeds derived from food industry by-products to improve the sustainability and circularity of European pork systems. The candidate will assess the nutritive value and nutrient digestibility of selected feed ingredients in vitro and in vivo, evaluate their effects on performance, feed efficiency and meat quality. Moreover, the relationship between the gut microbiome profile and metabolic pathways in pigs fed these co-products and gut health and Zootechnical performance will be established using metagenomics and metabolomics.

The project includes training secondments at an industry partner for animal trials and feed formulation and at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia for meat quality analysis.

The FEATURE network brings together six academic institutes, five research organisations and seven industry partners across seven European countries. Its 13 doctoral candidates will receive interdisciplinary training in sustainable and circular livestock production, combining animal nutrition, environmental science, data analysis, and socioeconomics. Each candidate will follow a personalised development plan, participate in training schools and workshops, and complete research secondments with industry partners.

The network provides an excellent foundation for future research leaders committed to advancing sustainability, resilience, and innovation in European food systems.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent), typically preceded by a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in animal or nutritional science, agricultural science, biology, veterinary science, biochemistry, or a related discipline.

They should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in sustainable livestock production and animal nutrition
• A basic understanding or interest in pig feed evaluation, animal nutrition and gastrointestinal physiology is essential
• First-hand lab experience would be a plus
• Competence in data handling and statistical analysis (e.g. R, SAS, or similar tools)
• Good analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills
• Motivation to participate actively in training, collaboration, and mobility within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie network

Experience with animal nutrition trials, feed or nutrient analysis, or
-omics data interpretation would be an advantage but is not required, as full training will be provided.

Specific Requirements

The project involves hands-on experimental work with animals, feeds and animal-derived biofluids in research facilities and commercial operations, in accordance with ethical and animal welfare regulations. It also includes collaboration with industry and academic partners. Occasional travel to experimental farms or partner facilities may be required for project activities, and the doctoral candidate must be able to travel independently to these sites.

These activities constitute an integral part of the project and are required for its successful completion. The candidate also should be willing to travel for short research secondments and…