PhD position in behavioural ecology – Cognitive fish welfare

We offer a 4 year PhD Position to work in the multidisciplinary project “Cognitive fish welfare” within the Behavioural Ecology chair group at the Animal Science Department, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Wageningen Livestock Research, of Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands.

The PhD project will investigate which aspects of environmental enrichment aqua cultured fish species (both marine and freshwater) prefer when given a choice, and whether adjusting holding conditions to these preferences improves fish welfare. The candidate will develop and apply choice assays and use cognitive techniques and behavioural and physiological indicators of welfare to compare fish reared in preferred enriched environments with those kept under standard aquaculture conditions. The project combines rigorous academic research with strong applied relevance, aiming to advance positive animal welfare in fish. The work will be primarily laboratory-based but may include research visits to aquaculture facilities across Europe. While the project will require dedication and initiative, it will also offer excellent opportunities for independent research and professional development toward a successful academic career.

THE ORGANIZATION:

The successful candidate will join the stimulating and international research environment of Wageningen University. Wageningen University is an internationally leading research and education institution. 

You will work here

The research is embedded within the chair Behavioual Ecology, , which is led by Prof. Marc Naguib. You will be supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Kotrschal and Dr. Luca Pettinau

• MSc-degree in Biology, ideally with specialization in Animal Behaviour / Behavioural Ecology / Evolutionary Ecology or equivalent experience
• Strong experimental and analytical skills
• Passion for fishes desirable but not essential
• Good organizational and (written and spoken) communication skills in English
• Ability to collaborate with others.
• Willingness to conduct extensive laboratory work.
• Ability to construct and assemble items using common DIY tools (e.g., drills, saws, hand tools).
• Willingness to travel internationally, to attend conferences and visit other institutes. 

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:

• 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. 

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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 this position, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexander Kotrschal, Behavioural Ecology Group, by e-mail: alexander.kotrschal@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter, by email: recruitment.asg@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 (max. 3 pages in total for both documents):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• Motivation letter.

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 24 February 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for 2 March 2026.

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.

​