Website University of Bern
Project description
Respiratory diseases in fattening calves are of great importance in the context of animal welfare, antibiotic use and resistance, as well as economic considerations. It is urgently necessary to develop and implement measures that lead to improvements in practice. This project aims to build upon an ongoing project that protects calves from respiratory pathogens during transport from fattening farms.
You can look forward to that.
In our barns, clinic facilities, and offices at the Bern Animal Clinic, we offer an environment conducive to modern research. In collaboration with university institutions that support innovation and product development, we are currently developing a device designed to mechanically protect calves from respiratory pathogens. This device is currently being tested on a limited number of calves (severity of the animal experiment: low, 0 out of 3; i.e., without any stress). In a subsequent step, the one to be undertaken within the scope of this work, the product’s practical applicability will be consolidated.
Your tasks
Transporting calves from farms in the greater Bern area to the clinic, providing veterinary care with support from the on-duty veterinarians. Collecting data using established methods from bacteriology, ultrasonography, and clinical observation.
The calves will then be transferred to fattening farms.
Training by the current project employee is possible.
The position is not yet funded. A funding application must be submitted in advance – without guarantee of success. After extensive review, the following funding opportunities have been identified as ideally suited:
You are the applicant. You are the sole recipient of the funding. Comprehensive support can be expected during the development phase. Therefore, the workload remains very manageable. The application will be submitted during November.
For questions regarding the specific research topic, which is confidential, a personal or online meeting can be arranged.
Requirements:
The requirements for your career path are moderately specific:
UniBE Venture Fellowship:
- Open to students with a Master’s, Doctorate or medical degree – as well as students whose graduation is imminent within the next six months.
Bridge Proof of Concept
- They have research experience gained within the framework of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed less than 4 years ago, or
- You will complete your doctorate within 6 months at the latest, or
- You completed your doctorate less than 4 years ago.
Good knowledge of German or French is an advantage.
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Your benefits
Central location in the heart of Bern
Meaningful work and fair pay
Good research infrastructure and international network
Individual care and support
Working at UniBE
The University of Bern offers not only exciting opportunities, but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us a great employer and how you can advance your career with us.
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Application and contact
Please send your application with the usual, informative documents in a single PDF file by email to jens.becker@unibe.ch by October 31, 2026.
Questions about the position?
PD Dr med vet Jens Becker, PhD
Dipl. ECAWBM(AWSEL)
Email: jens.becker@unibe.ch
Questions about the application process?
PD Dr med vet Jens Becker, PhD
Dipl. ECAWBM(AWSEL)
Email: jens.becker@unibe.ch
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Pick WhatsApp or Telegram, then follow a channel (Graduate → Post-PhD).