2 Positions – Master’s Student Internship in Porcine Research

 Duration: 5 to 9 months, between January 2027 and September 2027
Location: Animal Centered Environment group, Department of Biosystems and Technology – SLU (Alnarp, Sweden)
Supervisor: Associate Professor Maria Vilain Rørvang – https://www.slu.se/en/profilepages/r/maria-vilain-rorvang/
Application deadline: 4th October 2026 or until the right candidates have been found.
Projects Overview
1 - Project Tail: What does the tail communicate in pigs? We have seen a range of tail swishing, tail flicking and tail raising when pigs explore odours (sniff) in a social setting. There is a lot of information about tail postures in relation to tail biting and other damaging behaviour, but no one has looked at what tail movement and postures mean in a more positive setting such as exploring odours. This project explores tail postures and movement in finishing pigs when they explore natural odours under controlled settings. The project will be on already recorded video material and will consist of developing and ethogram, observing video, validating the ethogram, and analysing the behaviour in relation to the odours.
2 - Project Snout: What causes snout damage in pigs? During a long-term study on finishing pigs provided olfactory enrichment, snout damage was found along with other welfare related outcomes. Snout damage or irritation is currently not included in welfare assessment, and more knowledge is needed on why snout damage occurs. This project explores behaviour of finishing pigs with snout damage and without snout damage. The project seeks to elucidate if behaviour differs and if behaviour might be an indicator for the underlying issue causing gate snout damage. The project will be onalready recorded video material and will consist of developing and ethogram, observing video, and analysing the behaviour in relation to pig welfare state and odours.
Profile Sought
I am seeking 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 analysis and R programming would be appreciated but is not mandatory.
Place and Conditions of the Internship
The internship will be hosted at the SLU Research Campus of Alnarp, Sweden. Unfortunately, direct financial assistance cannot be provided in Sweden. Non-Swedish applicants must secure travel grants, research grants, or join an exchange program such as Erasmus to cover living expenses in Sweden. We do not accept students unless we are confident they can maintain a decent standard of living throughout their stay.
Important: The data have already been collected, so there is no fieldwork associated with this project. This means you are guaranteed high-quality data from the outset. There may be opportunities during your stay in Sweden to assist other researchers on their projects or to organize some farm visits.
Team and Supervision Support
Under the guidance of Maria Vilain Rørvang, you will be welcomed into a vibrant research environment, with the opportunity to engage in research group activities, weekly meetings, and collaborative discussions.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop specialized ethograms.
• Code pig behavior using specialized software.
• statistical analyses.
Requirements
• Currently enrolled in a Master's program in a relevant field (animal sciences, veterinary degree, physiology, etc.).
• If you are in a gap year, you must be associated with a university/organism that can provide an internship contract.
• A funding source – travel/mobility or research grant, or an exchange program such as Erasmus.
• Previous knowledge of pig behaviour would be appreciated but not mandatory.
Benefits
• Training in behavioral coding software.
• Insight into farm animal behavior and welfare research.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Potential for authorship on academic publications.
Application Process
To apply, please email Maria Vilain Rørvang at mariav.rorvang@slu.se with the subject line “Pig behaviour internship
2027 – Project tail/snout”, including:
• Precise in the Email which of the two projects you are applying to.
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and how your skills align with the requirements above.
• A current CV highlighting your academic background and any research experience.
Application deadline: 4th of October 2026