We are an active group that conducts applied research in the field of swine behaviour & welfare with a strong focus of delivering research results into practice on farm. Committed and passionate to our work and striving to perform research to a high standard, we are seeking a highly qualified, creative candidate to join our team to lead projects within areas of the research program, to support the overall running of the team and the generation of scientific knowledge to advance swine welfare through collaboration with partners.
Location: University of Saskatchewan – Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
Start date: January 2027 or as soon as reasonably possible thereafter.
Duration: 1.5 years, with the option to extend, subject to continued availability of funding. Annual salary $45,000/year Canadian, plus benefits with a 2.5% annual increase.
Research areas: The chosen candidate will lead a multidisciplinary project exploring the benefits of providing fibre enrichment to sows in group-gestation. Based within the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, with research work at the Prairie Swine Centre, the candidate will benefit from working within a diverse and active research team, and have the ability to contribute to the development and success of a range of projects and the running of the swine ethology and welfare research program. The candidate will be co-supervised by Dr. Yolande Seddon (WCVM) and Dr. Jen-Yun Chou (PSC).
The chosen candidate will be required to lead scientific investigation into developing a fibre-based enrichment that can be provided to group-housed gestating sows in unbedded systems. The end goal for the enrichment is that is biologically relevant and suitable to be brought into pig barns operating with fully-slatted floors. The research explores whether such enrichment could improve the lives of gestating sows through improving sow satiety, mitigating aberrant behaviours and providing biological benefits for the sow that can result in economic benefits for the producer.
Additionally, through their participation within the swine ethology and welfare research groups based at the University of Saskatchewan and the Prairie Swine Centre, the candidate has the ability to increase and diversify their research and management skills through contributing to projects within the existing research program. In particular, the candidate would support with data analysis and provide support in team organization as the trials continue and work moves to commercial farms. Current projects involve assessment of loose farrowing and lactation systems, supporting adoption of an automated welfare assessment system for carcasses, development and quantification of the benefits of novel enrichment routines, space allowance and heavy finisher pig welfare and management.
Duties: Manage and lead the sow fibre enrichment research at the Prairie Swine Centre, including: planning, data collection (pig behvaiour and collection of physiological samples, including blood sampling), statistical analysis; meetings with project collaborators, laboratory work of physiological samples, communication of research findings through scientific meetings and publications; industry liaison and knowledge transfer of results to stakeholders. Grant writing, teaching opportunities and ability to contribute to animal welfare consulting are also available. The successful candidate will be required to work closely with research collaborators, both academic and industry, and to support progress of the overall research program, including supporting training and supervision of team members. Work may require periods of travel for data collection to facilities across Canada and weekend work, of which can be taken off in-lieu.
Eligibility: A PhD in field of applied ethology, animal welfare science, animal science, zoology, veterinary medicine, comparative psychology or related discipline; a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle to drive to the Prairie Swine Centre and a willingness to drive in Canadian winters.
Candidate skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, a strong work ethic, detail oriented and analytical in thinking, the ability to work independently and within a team, initiative and problem-solving ability, and excellent organizational skills and ability to lead projects are essential to this role. Due to the broad topics our research covers candidates with a strong multidisciplinary skill set who are adaptable and able to apply themselves in a range of working conditions are desirable. Candidates should have a good knowledge of physiology, welfare assessment, animal behaviour, management of large datasets and statistical analysis, and a publication record. Experience and knowledge of pigs and pig production is considered an asset.
For further information about this position & to apply please contact Dr. Martyna Lagoda:
E-mail: martyna.lagoda@usask.ca
Telephone: +1-306-966-7151
Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon.
Learn more about the University of Saskatchewan at: https://www.usask.ca/ and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at: http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/ The Prairie Swine Centre at: www.prairieswine.com and our research at www.swinewelfare.com.
Applications: Please submit a current CV, a one-page cover letter outlining your motivation and qualification for the position and contact details of two references. For e-mail submissions, please include in the subject heading: Post-doc Swine Welfare. Deadline for applications December 15th 2026. Review of applicants will begin upon receipt, and applicants will be contacted for an interview.
https://www.prairieswine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Postdoc-position-WCVM-Nov-26-sow-fibre.pdf
