PhD Student in Sustainability Assessment and Biophysical Modeling

The Department of Energy and Technology at the Center for Land, Water and Environment (MVM) offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. We are among the leading institutions in the country regarding the analysis of systems for the production of food, biomaterials, and bioenergy using life cycle assessment. The department and the involved researchers have extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.

More information about the department/division: https://www.slu.se/institutioner/energi-teknik/ (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/energi-teknik/)

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/)

Sustainability Assessment and Biophysical Modeling

PhD Subject: Technology

Content Description:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed PhD student to the interdisciplinary research center PLATE – Center for Resilient Meals. PLATE is funded by FORMAS' national program for food, and its vision is a strengthened food sector that plays a crucial role in creating a resilient, sustainable, and competitive Swedish food system that ensures well-being for all. The PhD student will work within the part of the project that focuses on exploring the concept of “sustainable, healthy, and resilient meals.”

The Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University hosts the center and will work in direct collaboration with researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, KTH, and the Beijer Institute at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, as well as with other partners from the private and public meal sectors, including municipalities, regions, authorities, and civil society. Through collaboration with these partners, the center will investigate the significance of meals in relation to crisis preparedness and sustainable development. This PhD position will be based at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), where you will be part of the research group for food systems.

Responsibilities:

The PhD student will:

• Contribute to the conceptualization and definition of resilient meals by developing relevant criteria and indicators.
• Analyze the performance of existing meals within the Swedish meal service sector in relation to resilience, sustainability, health, and robustness.
• Develop and improve biophysical models for Swedish agriculture to evaluate resilience and robustness in agricultural production under various types of disturbances.
• Collaborate with stakeholders in the food system to operationalize and test developed tools and strategies.
• Communicate research results through scientific publications, conference presentations, and collaborations with stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Requirements:

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as food systems, agriculture, environmental science, computer science, sustainability studies, or similar.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of quantitative research methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Meritorious:

• Experience in mathematical modeling and data analysis.
• Experience with programming languages and tools used in biophysical or agricultural modeling (e.g., Python and R).
• Knowledge of resilience in food systems and tools for sustainability assessment.
• Understanding of Swedish agriculture, food systems, and related policy issues.
• Experience in stakeholder collaboration or interdisciplinary research.
• Good knowledge of Swedish or a willingness to learn.

This PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research with direct implications for policy and practice in sustainable and resilient food systems. If you are passionate about creating solutions for a better food future, we encourage you to apply!

Location:

Uppsala

Funding Type:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education)

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button no later than 2025-04-09.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a completed degree at the advanced level or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year at the advanced level, is required.

Selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including CV; thesis, copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, two personal references, English language skills. More information about the requirements for English language skills can be found on the following page: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/)

Please note that candidates called for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in the passport that contains photo and personal information.

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ (http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/)

Union Contact Persons:

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

The 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 activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental fields, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over three billion kronor. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific integrity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.