Doctoral; PhD position in “Potential adoption pathways alternative feeds innovation in EU

Organisation/Company University of Pisa Department Agriculture, Food and Environment Research Field Economics » Agricultural economics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 1 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jul 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) FEATURE (Future feeds for sustainability in European livestock production) invites applications for one fully funded 36-month full-time PhD position at the University of Pisa, Italy
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This doctoral project will investigate farmers’ willingness to adopt alternative feeds in ruminants, pigs, and poultry diets the economic feasibility of alternative feeds use in livestock diets. The candidate will develop potential large-scale adoption pathways for alternative feeds-based diets in the EU livestock sectors, map the evolution of relevant policies for the EU livestock sector and analyse their impacts on the different animal production sectors, and develop policy recommendations.

The project will also consider the broader socio-technical implications of replacing conventional protein sources in livestock diets.

The project includes training secondments at CSIC (Spanish National Research Institute, Spain) for training in feed evaluation and diet formulation for dairy ruminants, and the Sismondi Laboratory of Rural Studies (Italy) for training in action-reseach methods supporting agriculture and rural policy implementation.

The FEATURE network brings together six academic institutes, five research organisations and seven industry partners across seven European countries. Its 13 doctoral candidates will receive interdisciplinary training in sustainable and circular livestock production, combining animal nutrition, environmental science, data analysis, and socioeconomics. Each candidate will follow a personalised development plan, participate in training schools and workshops, and complete research secondments with industry partners.

The network provides an excellent foundation for future research leaders committed to advancing sustainability, resilience, and innovation in European food systems.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent), typically preceded by a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in agricultural sciences, agriculture economics, environmental economics, political sciences , or a related discipline.

They should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in agri-food systems transition and sustainable livestock production.
• A basic understanding or interest in agriculture economics and food systems dynamics.
• Competence in qualitative data collection, handling and analysis (e.g. NVivo, Atlas, or similar tools), and quantitative research analysis.
• Good analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills
• Motivation to participate actively in training, collaboration, and mobility within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie network

Experience in livestock socio-economic analysis, farmers’ innovation adoption, or the sustainable transformation of agri-food value chains would be an advantage but is not required, as full training will be provided.

Specific Requirements

The position involves collaboration with industry and academic partners. The candidate should be willing to travel for short research secondments and training events organised within the FEATURE Doctoral Network.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Economics » Agricultural economics

The successful candidate will be employed full-time by the host institution under a fixed-term contract in accordance with national regulations and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) rules for Doctoral Candidates. The position…