Background

The overall objective of the research group where the PhD will be developed is to provide science-based and data-driven solutions directly transferable to the bovine production context to optimize bovine health and ultimately, contribute to its environmental, social and economic sustainability. The group is currently evaluating natural alternatives to improve bovine health to address two current concerns: Reduction of antimicrobial use and optimisation of production efficiency in bovine production. Other lines of research pursued by the group include welfare enhancement during transport of live bovines.

The research group “Bovine Research (BOVIRES)” is led by Dr Ainhoa Valldecabres which holds an extensive experience in applied research in cattle health under the two predominant production systems: confinement and grazing. The research group is composed of three researchers at Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU (UCH-CEU) and eight external collaborators based at various universities, research centres, contracted research companies, and leading companies in the national cattle sector. The last, enabling the development of the research projects in a commercial farm setting, which is a key factor to facilitate on-farm application and transferability of results to the end-users. 

The successful PhD candidate will pursue the doctorate degree at UCH-CEU (Spain) within a collaborative project between UCH-CEU and the University of California-Davis (United States). The student will have the opportunity to develop his/her skills in a broad range of areas, including bovine health and performance assessment, data management and analysis, writing and publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, and networking with experts in the field. The student will also have the opportunity to attend and present research findings at national and international conferences and to develop some of the research at the University of California-Davis. 

The PhD student will be enrolled in the Doctorate Program in Health Science and Technology from CEU International Doctorate School (CEINDO) at UCH-CEU. The PhD student will be member of the UCH-CEU Bovine Research Group. The graduate program will provide training in key research skills including research ethics, study design and scientific document search and evaluation. The student will have the opportunity to undertake training on statistical analysis, scientific writing, bioethics (animal testing), and experimental techniques, as well as to attend and participate on weekly research seminars and journal clubs. 

Requirements 

The Candidate will apply for a competitive predoctoral contract CEU in the 2025/2026 call. To that end, the Candidate’s requirements are: 

• Nationality of an EU member state, or be a foreigner with a residence and work permit
• Accredited Spanish proficiency (B2 level)
• Bachelor’s degree of at least 300 ECTS credits in an appropriate discipline (Veterinary Medicine, Agronomy or Biology) or a completed University Master’s degree (equivalent in case of foreign degrees)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s academic record with a minimum average grade of 7.5/10 

Positively valued skills: 

• Bovine management
• Data processing and data analysis
• Scientific writing
• Some proficiency in English 

The applicant should be self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

Award 

The scholarship is described in the following link Convocatoria-ayudas-jovenes-investigadores-2024/25. Conditions will be updated to match those in the most recent call, expected before closing date.