Master's Student Internship in Equine Research

• Duration: 5 to 9 months, between January 2027 and September 2027
• Location: Animal Centered Environment group, Department of Biosystems and Technology – SLU (Alnarp, Sweden)
• Supervisor: Dr. Océane Liehrmann 
• Application deadline: 4th October 2026

Project Overview

This internship offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the advancement of equine welfare assessment through the application of state-of-the-art electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. Working under the guidance of experienced researchers, participants will investigate the intricate relationship between positive emotions and cerebral activity. Through analysis of videos and data collected during experiments conducted on horses in 2026, interns will acquire invaluable skills in behavioral coding, data extraction from EEG recordings, and statistical analysis methods.

Profile Sought

I am seeking enthusiastic students completing an MSc degree in behavioral ecology, ethology, or physiology. Previous experience with horses and knowledge of equine behavior will be preferred. Proficiency in English is required, as the team is international. Basic knowledge of statistical analysis and R programming would be appreciated but is not mandatory.

Place and Conditions of the Internship

The internship will be hosted at the SLU Research Campus of Alnarp, Sweden. Unfortunately, direct financial assistance cannot be provided in Sweden. Non-Swedish applicants must secure travel grants, research grants, or join an exchange program such as Erasmus to cover living expenses in Sweden. I will not accept students unless I am confident they can maintain a decent standard of living throughout their stay.

Important: The data have already been collected, so there is no fieldwork associated with this project. This means you are guaranteed high-quality data from the outset. There may be opportunities during your stay in Sweden to assist on a similar project with cows so you can get some field experiments using the same material as the one used to collect the data you are going to work with.

Team and Supervision Support

Under the guidance of Dr. Océane Liehrmann, you will be welcomed into a vibrant research environment, with the opportunity to engage in research group activities, weekly meetings, and collaborative discussions.

slu.se – Animal Centered Environment research group

Key Responsibilities

• Train for the EquiFACS certification
• Code horse behavior using specialized software.
• Extract and analyze heart rate variations and EEG data.
• Assist with statistical analyses to identify correlations between behavioral responses, heart rate and cerebral activity.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a Master's program in a relevant field (animal sciences, veterinary degree, physiology, etc.).
• If you are in a gap year, you must be associated with a university/organism that can provide an internship contract.
• A funding source – travel/mobility or research grant, or an exchange program such as Erasmus.
• Good knowledge of horse behavior is a plus.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in research using EEG on animals.
• Training in behavioral coding software.
• Insight into farm animal behavior and welfare research.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Potential for authorship on academic publications.

Application Process (deadline 4th October 2026) 

To apply, please email oceane.liehrmann@slu.se with the subject line “EEG internship 2027”, including:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the project, relevant experience, and how your skills align with the requirements above.
• A current CV highlighting your academic background and any research experience.

Testimonies from former students I supervised