Research Associate Job in Dairy Calf Management and Calf Health at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany

Researchers interested in animal welfare, livestock management, and dairy science have an exciting opportunity to join one of Germany’s most respected universities. Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is seeking a part-time Research Associate (m/f/d) specializing in Animal Husbandry, Dairy Calf Management, and Calf Health. The position forms part of a major externally funded research project focused on improving calf health and reducing calf mortality through evidence-based management practices and collaboration between scientists, agricultural consultants, and dairy farmers.

The Research Associate position in Dairy Calf Management and Calf Health at Justus Liebig University Giessen offers a rare opportunity to contribute to meaningful agricultural research while developing expertise in livestock health, animal welfare, and applied dairy science. With competitive benefits, strong academic support, and direct industry engagement, this role represents an excellent career opportunity for emerging researchers in animal and agricultural sciences.

About Justus Liebig University Giessen

Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen is among Germany’s oldest and most prestigious research institutions. With approximately 25,000 students and 5,800 staff members, the university has built a strong international reputation for scientific innovation and societal impact.

The successful candidate will join the Chair of Animal Husbandry, Behaviour and Welfare within the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management.

Position Overview

Job Title

Research Associate (m/f/d) – Animal Husbandry, Dairy Calf Management and Calf Health

Institution

Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU)

Department

Chair of Animal Husbandry, Behaviour and Welfare

Employment Type

Part-Time (50%)

Contract Duration

July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029

Funding

Externally Funded Research Project

Salary

Pay scale E13 TV-H (Collective Labour Agreement of the State of Hessen)

Research Project Focus

The position contributes to the project:

“Healthy Calves – The Basis of Dairy Farming: Optimizing Management Through Benchmarking and Best-Practice Examples.”

The project aims to identify and promote management strategies that improve calf health outcomes while reducing mortality rates in dairy farming systems. Through practical farm-based research and data-driven decision-making, the project seeks to provide actionable recommendations for livestock producers.

Key Responsibilities

The selected Research Associate will play a central role in project implementation and scientific research activities.

Main Duties Include:

• Supporting the development of optimized calf management strategies.
• Collaborating closely with agricultural stakeholders, advisors, and researchers.
• Recruiting dairy farms to participate in the project.
• Conducting field-based data collection on participating farms.
• Performing statistical analyses of collected data.
• Preparing scientific publications and research outputs.
• Producing farm-specific reports and management recommendations.
• Assisting project partners in developing a calf health monitoring application.
• Participating in project coordination and management activities.
• Organizing and attending project meetings, workshops, and farmer discussion groups.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess a strong academic background in livestock science or related disciplines.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should hold a completed Master’s degree or equivalent university qualification in:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Agricultural Sciences
• Biology
• Related disciplines with a focus on livestock sciences

Essential Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Practical experience handling cattle or other livestock species.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to engage effectively with farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
• Good German language proficiency.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Scientific research competence demonstrated through publications and/or excellent academic performance.
• Willingness to travel regularly to participating dairy farms.

Additional Advantages

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Good English language skills.
• Experience using statistical software such as R or SAS.
• Previous involvement in animal welfare, livestock management, or agricultural research projects.

Driving Requirement

A valid Category B driving license is required due to regular travel commitments associated with farm visits.

Benefits of the Position

Beyond research experience, the role offers a comprehensive employment package.

Professional Benefits

• Opportunity to work within a highly motivated interdisciplinary team.
• Participation in impactful livestock health research.
• Extensive networking opportunities with researchers and agricultural professionals.
• Exposure to practical and applied agricultural science.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible working hours.
• Free public transportation across Hessen through the LandesTicket Hessen.
• Access to more than 100 annual professional development seminars and workshops.
• E-learning and training opportunities.
• Health promotion and sports programs.
• Occupational pension scheme.
• Child allowance and additional special payments.
• Family-friendly workplace policies.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Calf health remains one of the most significant challenges facing modern dairy production systems. Poor calf health can negatively impact animal welfare, farm profitability, and long-term productivity.

This project provides researchers with the opportunity to contribute directly to sustainable dairy farming practices while generating scientific evidence that can influence livestock management strategies across the agricultural sector.

For candidates interested in animal welfare, veterinary science, dairy production, or agricultural research, this position offers valuable hands-on and academic experience in a rapidly evolving field.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Justus Liebig University Giessen welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of:

• Gender
• Nationality
• Disability status
• Ethnic or social background
• Religion or belief
• Age
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity

The university actively encourages applications from women and is recognized as a family-friendly institution. Qualified applicants with disabilities will receive preferential consideration where appropriate.

Application Deadline

Important Dates

Applicants must submit their applications through APPLY NOW online application portal before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the salary for this Research Associate position?

The position is compensated according to the E13 TV-H pay scale under the Collective Labour Agreement of the State of Hessen. Actual salary depends on qualifications and professional experience.

Is this a full-time or part-time position?

The appointment is part-time at 50% employment capacity.

How long is the contract?

The contract runs from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2029, subject to project funding conditions.

Do applicants need experience with cattle?

Yes. Practical experience handling cattle or other livestock is an important requirement for this role.

Is knowledge of statistical software required?

Basic knowledge of software such as R or SAS is beneficial. Candidates without prior experience should demonstrate willingness to learn.

Is German language proficiency mandatory?

Yes. Good German language skills are required because the position involves regular interaction with dairy farmers and project stakeholders.

Can international applicants apply?

Yes. International applicants who meet the academic and language requirements are encouraged to apply.

Will travel be required?

Yes. The position involves regular visits to participating dairy farms, and some business trips may extend over multiple days.

What academic backgrounds are eligible?

Applicants with degrees in Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, or closely related livestock-focused disciplines are eligible.

What makes this position attractive for early-career researchers?

The role combines field research, data analysis, scientific publication opportunities, stakeholder engagement, and project management experience, making it highly valuable for researchers pursuing careers in animal science, veterinary research, or agricultural development.