Scholarships Source

PhD position Animal Nutrition

There is strong interest to increase the sustainability of the dairy sector. A specific interest is to minimize losses of nitrogen to the environment from manure. Milk urea reflects the amount of protein consumed but not utilized by the cow, and hence is a potential indicator of efficiency of nitrogen utilization with milk production. Variation in milk urea is too high to be fully conclusive under various conditions. This project aims to investigate the background of variation in milk urea by in vivo experiments with lactating cows. Stable isotope techniques will be used to evaluate various physiological mechanisms that contribute to the variation in milk urea. The experimental results will be the basis for the development of a mathematical simulation model which is able to evaluate the effect of nutritional strategies on nitrogen excretion and milk urea. The major tasks of the PhD will be conduction of several animal experiments in vivo, and the subsequent integration of the information gathered by the development of a mechanistic model.
The PhD student will work in close collaboration with a team of researchers from university and the contract research organisation involved in experimental as well as modelling research. The PhD student will report results within this team, in peer-reviewed journals and to representatives of feed industry. Some educational tasks are part of the job.

University Graduate
Enthusiastic result-driven person with a university degree at MSc level in Animal Nutrition or in an other relevant field which partly comprises animal physiology. The candidate will have a clear interest in the development and application of new experimental techniques. Practical experience with dairy cattle is desired, as well as affinity with working with laboratory equipment. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English (both oral and written) and ability to work in an interdisciplinary (international, if needed) team are required. If the candidate does not hold an art. 9 certificate, willingness to follow the art. 9 course is necessary. The candidate will have to be prepared to perform experimental as well as mathematical modelling work.

Wageningen University and Researchcentre, Animal Sciences Group Division of Animal Production, Lelystad

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500

Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 1,5 + 2,5 years
Maximum hours per week: 38

Additional conditions of employment:
To begin with, a PhD appointment for a period of 18 months. Continuation of the appointment with another 30 months will be based on performance evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2000 in the first year rising to € 2558 per month in the fourth year, based on a full time appointment.

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Dr ir. J. Dijkstra
Telephone number: +31 317 485219
E-mail address: jan.dijkstra@wur.nl

Dr. A. Bannink
Telephone number: +31 320 237330
E-mail address: andre.bannink@wur.nl

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

You can apply for this job before 29-08-2008 by sending your application to:

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT DIE 2008-016.