Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare

About the Job

Do you want to research how horse-assisted interventions can enhance children's well-being and school attendance in a multidisciplinary project with clear societal benefits? We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher in anthrozoology who will play a key role in a randomized controlled study following students aged 10–12 while also ensuring the welfare of the horses involved.

Anthrozoology is a multidisciplinary field that addresses interactions and relationships between humans and other animals. The interplay between animals and humans is beneficial for the well-being of both. Within anthrozoological research, animal-assisted educational interventions in school environments are also studied. This project investigates how horse-assisted interventions can affect well-being, motivation, school attendance, and academic performance among students aged 10–12 with problematic school attendance. The project will be conducted as a randomized controlled study comparing horse-assisted teaching with similar outdoor pedagogy without animals and regular teaching, and will also include assessments of horse welfare and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will plan and coordinate the study's implementation together with schools and equestrian organizations, conduct data collection and documentation according to clear protocols, analyze data (quantitatively and qualitatively), contribute to manuscript writing, and communicate results to academia and practice. You will be a key person in a collaborative team working across disciplines and closely cooperating with various stakeholders. We are looking for someone who enjoys working both practically and analytically and who contributes with engagement, openness, and flexibility in collaborations.

Experiments within the project will primarily take place on-site in Skara, but the position also includes international travel related to research activities and collaborations.

Your Background

We are looking for someone with a strong scientific background and a genuine interest in anthrozoological research focusing on the welfare of both animals and humans. To succeed in this role, you must meet the following requirements:

• PhD in education, psychology, sociology, biology (with a focus on ethology, zoology), anthrozoology, or a relevant field.
• Experience working with children and youth in educational or research contexts, and the ability to communicate professionally in Swedish in a school environment.
• Ability to plan, conduct, analyze, and interpret research.
• Ability to initiate and drive research ideas and contribute to project development and applications for research funding.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing in Swedish and English, and the ability to collaborate with academic colleagues, horse owners, school staff, the public, and media.
• Documented experience in supervising students at the undergraduate and master's levels.
• Documented experience in scientific publishing in international journals.
• Good ability to operate in a research environment, with openness, flexibility, and responsibility in planning and executing work.

In addition to the above requirements, the following experiences and qualities are desirable:

• Experience with qualitative methods to measure students' motivation and academic ability.
• Experience using animals in interventions involving humans.
• Interest in and experience with welfare issues related to animal-assisted interventions.
• Driver's license, B

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About Us

The goal of our department is to promote good animal husbandry and welfare as well as sustainable food production with high product quality through research and education about animals, focusing on feed and nutrition, care and environment, ethology and animal ethics, animal welfare, and animal protection. We have approximately 125 employees working in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå, and Gothenburg.

More information about the department: Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

Skara

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months.

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

April 1 or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-03-16.

Union Contacts:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental farms, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students, and researchers, with a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an equal and inclusive working environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.