PROJECT DESCRIPTION OF PIGWEB
Research infrastructures play a key role in identifying levers that can be used to attain the goals of the Green
Deal and the “Farm to Fork” strategy, to which PIGWEB can contribute by a “From Pig to Pork” approach.
The aims of PIGWEB are to strengthen the pig research community by providing and facilitating access to
Research infrastructures, reinforce a culture of cooperation between the research community and industrial and
societal stakeholders, and improve and integrate the services provided by the Research infrastructures. This will
contribute to develop innovative and ethical solutions for sustainable pig production system. During the PigWeb
project, graduate and post-graduate training opportunities will be offered to young researchers to ensure the
succession of a new generation of highly-trained experts in the fields of pig production.
POST DOC ON ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO SAMPLE BLOOD IN PIGS (PREFERRED START DATE: 01/03/2022;
DURATION: 2 YEARS, EMPLOYMENT LEVEL: 80%)
Blood (plasma, serum) is by far the most widely used source to derive biomarkers for metabolic and health traits in
pigs. The large veins (e.g., jugular or cephalic veins) that are usually punctured in large animal veterinary practices
are not visible in pigs due to their thick skin. To date, blood sampling is commonly performed by venipuncture solely
based on anatomical landmarks, and catheterisation can only be performed under general anaesthesia, which
affects animal welfare and may affect the primary metabolic readouts. This Post doc will identify, test, and
implement novel tools, proxies, and technologies to obtain and analyse blood samples in pigs. Strategies to be
assessed will include; (1) testing sensors readily used in Human to monitor in real time metabolism parameters; (2)
finger prick method and analyses in a drop of blood; and (3) Infra-red camera; and (4) blood suckling parasites to
facilitate or replace venipuncture.
This Post doc will take place at the Agroscope, Posieux (canton of Fribourg), Switzerland. You will join the research
team of Dr. Giuseppe Bee, leading the SWINE RESEARCH UNIT at Agroscope. You will be supervised by Dr. Catherine
Ollagnier and co-supervised by Dr Florence Gondret (INRAE, France) and by Dr Michael Oster (FBN, Germany).
You will also undertake 5 months internships at INRAE (Rennes, France) and FBN (Dummerstorf, Germany), where
you will perform animal experiment and laboratory analyses, respectively.
THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY RULES APPLY FOR PARTICIPATION IN H2020-INFRAIA-2018-2020 – PIGWEB
We are looking for an international Post doc with a specialization in veterinary medicine, animal sciences or biology.
Basic knowledge in pig physiology is essential, and first-hand lab experience would be a plus. Candidates who
have previous experience with pig experimental work are desired. Applicants must show their ability to understand
and express themselves in both written and spoken English sufficient to derive the full benefit from the network
training, French would be a plus.
BENEFITS
By participating in the PigWeb consortium, you will obtain in-depth training in responsible experimental pig
research, pig physiology and bioanalysis. In addition, you will widen your network by interacting with numerous
PigWeb partners from 10 European countries.
SELECTION PROCESS
You can apply for this position no later than 01.10.21. by sending the following information to the email address:
[Email Address Removed], Ref.nr. 74002.
• your complete CV,
• motivation letter*,
• copies of University PhD/Bachelors/Masters certificates or equivalent and
• contact details of two referees, who can provide a letter of recommendation.
• Include a General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) statement**.
* Points to be included in the motivation letter (maximum 600 words)
Describe what about the advertised position particularly interests you, why you want to apply for it and why you
should be considered for this position.
Indicate why you want to pursue a Post doc project and not take a job in industry.
Explain why you think it is important to improve animal welfare in livestock and animal experimentation.
Describe your experience in working with experimental animals.
** You consent that your personal data will be processed by the PigWeb project consortium for considering your
application for this position.
For more information please contact Dr. Catherine Ollagnier ([Email Address Removed] and
mention PigWeb in the title.
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