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Phd / Estonian University of Life Sciences

Estonian University of Life Sciences Funded PhD Position 2026/2027 in Animal Science and Grazing Systems Research

Scholarship
Estonia
On-site
Published Apr 16, 2026

Overview

This opportunity is available for students applying for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

Description

This opportunity is available for students applying for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

Eligibility

Applicants should have an academic background in:

Veterinary Medicine
Animal Science
Ecology
Environmental Science
Agronomy
Related disciplines

Ideal candidates should also have:

Interest in data-driven agricultural research
Motivation for interdisciplinary research
Interest in animal welfare and precision livestock technologies
Candidates who are completing their current degree may apply, provided the final degree is completed before the PhD begins.

Additional Information

Degree Level

This opportunity is available for students applying for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

Phd Project Title

Evaluation of Feeding Behaviour and Biomass Dynamics in Estonian Grazing Pastures Using Integrated GPS, Drone Imaging and Grass Analysis Approaches
This innovative research project aims to understand how livestock behaviour interacts with pasture biomass quality and availability in northern temperate grazing systems, particularly in Estonia.

Research Areas

The funded PhD position covers interdisciplinary research in:

Animal Science
Veterinary Medicine
Ecology
Environmental Science
Agronomy
Precision Agriculture
Livestock Nutrition
Remote Sensing Technologies

Research Project Overview

Grassland ecosystems are essential for:

Livestock production
Biodiversity conservation
Carbon cycling

However, grazing systems are strongly affected by:

Grazing pressure
Climate variability
Management practices

This PhD project seeks to fill existing research gaps by integrating:

Drone-based multispectral imaging
GPS livestock tracking
Laboratory grass composition analysis

Using these tools, the research will investigate:

Pasture biomass availability
Grass nutritional quality
Feeding behaviour of livestock
Spatial grazing patterns
Animal performance outcomes
The results are expected to improve understanding of sustainable grazing management in northern pasture ecosystems.

Benefits

Selected candidates will receive funding for the PhD program, including:

Funded doctoral research position
Supervision by experienced academic researchers
Access to advanced monitoring technologies
Opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research
Training in data-driven livestock management methods
Research experience in Estonia
This funded position provides an excellent platform for building expertise in precision livestock farming and sustainable grazing systems.

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have an academic background in:

Veterinary Medicine
Animal Science
Ecology
Environmental Science
Agronomy
Related disciplines

Ideal candidates should also have:

Interest in data-driven agricultural research
Motivation for interdisciplinary research
Interest in animal welfare and precision livestock technologies
Candidates who are completing their current degree may apply, provided the final degree is completed before the PhD begins.

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit their applications through the designated portals:

For Estonian Applicants

Apply via SAIS between 1–15 June 2026

For International Applicants

Apply via DreamApply between 1 April – 1 June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare all academic documents before the deadlines.

Required Documents

Although exact requirements may vary, applicants typically need:

Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV or resume
Research motivation statement
Proof of academic qualifications
Other documents requested by the university portal

Why Apply For This Phd

This PhD position is an excellent opportunity for students who want to:

Conduct funded doctoral research in Europe
Work on sustainable livestock systems
Gain expertise in precision agriculture tools
Use advanced technologies like drones and GPS monitoring
Build an academic career in animal welfare and environmental science
The interdisciplinary nature of the project also offers valuable experience at the intersection of animal behaviour, ecology, and digital agriculture.

Further information for applicants is available:

in Estonian: https://www.emu.ee/doktoriope
in English: https://www.emu.ee/en/doctoral-studies-phd

Contact Information

For further information, interested applicants may contact:

Francesca Carnovale Junior Professor in Animal Welfare Chair of Animal Nutrition Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences Estonian University of Life Sciences Tartu, Estonia
Email: francesca.carnovale@emu.ee

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

Is this PhD position fully funded? Yes, this is a funded PhD opportunity at the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
Can international students apply? Yes, international applicants are welcome and can apply through DreamApply between 1 April and 1 June 2026.
What academic backgrounds are eligible? Applicants from veterinary medicine, animal science, ecology, environmental science, agronomy, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

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Funding

Fully Funded, Partial Funding

Organization

Estonian University of Life Sciences

Degree

PhD

Subjects

Life Sciences, All Subjects

Nationality

International Students, Domestic Students

Country

Estonia

Source

Information provided by scholarships_ads.

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