PhD Philosophical reflection: impact of digitalisation & AI in livestock farming

Are you fascinated by the rapid digitization of the livestock industry? Do you wonder how AI and sensor technology are changing our view of animal welfare and the human-animal relationship? And do you want to explore the opportunities and dilemmas that this technological revolution brings? 

Within our interdisciplinary team, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these questions in depth—theoretically, through discussions with stakeholders, and in the practical context of livestock farming.

For a project on the role of digitalization and AI in livestock farming and their impact on the human-animal relationship, we are seeking a PhD candidate who will reflect on the use of AI and sensor technology in livestock farming. You will conduct a systematic literature review and analysis of animal welfare concepts and applications of digital technologies in the animal sciences. You will also reflect on the normative and epistemic assumptions underlying technology development.

You will collaborate in an interdisciplinary team with philosophers, media and literary scholars, and data scientists, and maintain contact with external stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to become proficient in various research methods (systematic literature review, qualitative empirical research, and philosophical reflection). Under supervision, you will test and evaluate technology in practice.

Within the project, the role of digital technology in the changing human-animal relationship will be examined through the lens of multispecies justice theory. From this perspective, you will reflect on both the opportunities and limitations offered by digital technology in livestock farming. You will conduct part of the research in conventional livestock farms and engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

•  conducting systematic literature reviews;
•  conducting qualitative empirical research;
•  collaborating within an interdisciplinary team;
•  writing academic publications and a dissertation;
•  performing teaching duties (up to 10%).

You will work here

The research is embedded within the Philosophy group, and member of the Animal Ethics team, which is led by Prof. Bernice Bovenkerk. You will be co-supervised by dr. Mona Giersberg (UU) and dr. Hugh Desmond.

You have: 

• A successfully completed master’s degree;
• A background in philosophy, critical animal studies, or a related field;
• An interest in conducting systematic literature reviews and empirical research;
• An interest in animal welfare;
• Academic thinking skills and ambition;
• Good command of English (C1 level) and Dutch language;
• Preferably a drivers’ license.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. 

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. 

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

For more information about the position, please contact Bernice Bovenkerk, Professor, via 0645050740 or email: bernice.bovenkerk@wur.nl
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via recruitment.ssg@wur.nl

Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents:

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• A list of courses you have followed.

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including 18 May 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled soon after the closing date.

Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using the link below:

PHD: Philosophical reflection – impact of digitalisation and AI in livestock farming – Fill out form

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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