"Everything is energy"

In general, living things are very energy expensive. For example, the average energy consumed by one cow for one day is around 70 Mega Joules (19.4kWh » 5400 AA batteries), which is the same amount of energy needed to power a Tesla car for 100 km.
This energy, which is the means for the animal to survive, is time-varying depending on many internal and external factors.

Hence, continuous monitoring of the dynamic energy consumption is crucial for assessing the health, welfare, and productivity of our animals.

Currently, we are looking for a talented design-oriented researcher with expertise in, and flair for, the field of sensor data analysis with keen interest in developing sensor data-based algorithms for monitoring animal health and welfare. Our research team is driving an exciting project, as part of the next level animal sciences (NLAS) innovation program (here), towards developing a sensor data-based platform for real-time monitoring of animal health and welfare. The selected candidate will join the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) designer program. The EngD is a two-year full-time programme leads to a Designer degree certified by the Dutch Certification Committee for Technological Design Programs (CCTO). More information about the EngD program and diploma can be found here. The focus of this EngD project is to design/develop a wearable software sensor system (hardware + software) for non-invasive real-time monitoring of animal's energy expenditure (EE). The animal EE is a vital variable for calculating animal's energy balance, which is a common feature indicator for many health, welfare, and productivity problems. This EngD project is fully funded by the NLAS innovation program, Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

The research is embedded within the chair Adaptation Physiology Group (ADP), which is led by Prof. Bas Kemp (https://www.wur.nl/en/Persons/Bas-prof.dr.ir.-B-Bas-Kemp.htm) You will be co-supervised by Dr.Ir. Ali Youssef (ADP) and Prof. Tomas Norton (Animal and Human Health Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium)

• a successfully completed MSc degree in Bioengineering, Electrical engineering, Industrial engineering, or equivalent fields.
• You have experience in signal processing, sensor data analysis, and computational algorithm design (knowledge of machine learning techniques, such as ANN and SVM, is an asset).
• You are willing to work with animals (experience in animal/human-based experiments is an asset)
• You are an excellent collaborator and creative goal-oriented individual.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

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

• study leave and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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 December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded EngD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for both years is € 2.089,- per month in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale TOIO). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the " Best University " in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. 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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University and 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, 7.200 employees and 13.200 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen's unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video 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.