- Duration: 6 months between Jan.2026 and Sept. 2026
- Location: Animal group, Dptmt of Biosystems and Technology - SLU (Alnarp, SWEDEN)
- Supervisor: Main supervisor: Océane Liehrmann; co-supervisor: Maria Vilain Rørvang
- Application deadline: 20.11.2025
Project Overview: This internship offers an exceptional
opportunity to contribute to the advancement of equine welfare
assessment through the application of state-of-the-art infrared thermal
imaging technology. Working under the guidance of researchers
experts in their field, participants will investigate the intricate
relationship between facial temperature variations and equine emotional
states and pain perception. Through analysis of video data collected
during experiments conducted on horses in 2023,
interns will acquire invaluable skills in behavioral coding, data
extraction from thermal imaging videos, and statistical analysis
methods.
Profile Seeking: I am seeking for enthusiastic students
completing an MSc degree in behavioral ecology, ethology, or physiology.
Proficiency in English is required, as the team is international. Basic
knowledge of statistical analyses and R programming
would be appreciated but not mandatory.
Place and Conditions of the Internship: The internship will be
hosted at the Research Campus of Alnarp, Sweden within the Animal group
of the department of Biosystem and technology. Unfortunately, I am
unable to provide direct financial assistance. Non
Swedish applicants must secure travel grants, research grants, or join
with exchange program such as Erasmus to cover living expenses in
Sweden.
IMPORTANT: The data are already collected, so there is no
fieldwork associated with this project, but you may have the possibility
to join the fieldwork on some other projects if you want to. The
advantage is that you have the garantee to already have
high quality data for your project and the time to analyse them.
The Team and Supervision Support: Under the supervision of Dr. Océane Liehrmann (https://oceane-liehrmann.webador.fr/),
you will join the Animal Group within the Department of Biosystems
and Technology, a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The
group conducts cutting-edge research on farm animal welfare, housing
quality, and behavioural and welfare monitoring through advanced
technologies and animal movement analysis.
This setting offers a rich opportunity to expand your research
network and connect with experts in your field of interest. You will be
actively involved in the group’s activities, including weekly meetings,
collaborative discussions, and ongoing research
projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Code horse behavior using specialized software from experiments involving various emotional stimuli.
- Extract and analyze heart rate variations and thermal imaging data.
- Assist in statistical analyses to identify correlations between behavioral responses, heart rate, and facial temperature variation.
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a Master's program in a relevant field (animal sciences, veterinary degree, physiology…).
- If you are in a gap year, you must ensure to be associated with a university which will provide internship contract.
- Funding source from Travel or research grant or possibility to benefit from exchange programs such as Erasmus.
- Good knowledge of horse behaviour is a plus but not mandatory.
Benefits:
- Hands-on experience in research using infrared thermal imaging
- Training in behavioral coding software.
- Insight into equine behavior and welfare research.
- Mentorship from experienced researchers.
- Potential for authorship on academic publications.
Application Process: To apply, please email
at oceane.liehrmann(at)slu.se with the object " IRT internship 2026" : a
cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant
experience, and how your skills align with the requirements outlined
above.
Additionally, include a current CV highlighting your academic
background and any research experience.
Deadline: 20.11.2025