Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare

The goal of our department is to promote good animal husbandry and welfare, as well as sustainable food production with high product quality through research and education on animals, focusing on feed and nutrition, management and environment, ethology and animal ethics, animal welfare, and animal protection. We have about 125 employees working in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå, and Gothenburg.

As a PhD student, you will be in a creative and developing environment with opportunities for networking with both industry and international contacts.

More information about the department: Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Evaluation of Swedish feed additives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sustainable production systems for cattle.

Research subject: Animal Science

Description:

Global warming is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Among agricultural sources, cattle production is a major emitter of methane – a potent greenhouse gas produced during fermentation processes in the rumen. In Sweden, new feed additives are currently being developed to reduce methane emissions from cattle and promote sustainable and climate-friendly animal production.

This PhD project will focus on evaluating the potential of these Swedish feed additives through a combination of laboratory experiments and feeding trials. Several in vitro gas production experiments will be conducted to identify the most promising additives. These feed additives will then be tested in feeding trials where methane emissions and feed efficiency will be measured and calculated using the GreenFeed system. The feeding trials will be conducted at the Röbäcksdalen research farm in Umeå and will include a long-term study where cows are fed high-quality forage as a base.

The PhD student will be responsible for planning and conducting laboratory experiments, carrying out two feeding trials with dairy cows, data analysis, life cycle assessments, and publishing results in scientific journals. The candidate is also expected to present research findings at national and international conferences, write popular science summaries, and participate in teaching and supervising master's students.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a motivated candidate with documented experience in animal studies, ruminant nutrition, in vitro gas production techniques, and work with cattle, including in vivo measurements of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., using the GreenFeed system).

At the time of employment, a completed master's degree is required. Good oral and written skills in English are a requirement, as the work environment is international. Knowledge of Swedish or another Nordic language is a significant merit.

The position also requires a valid driver's license (category B).

Location:

Umeå

Employment type:

PhD student position, 100% (4 years of education)

Start date:

February 1, 2026, or as agreed.

Application

Welcome to submit your application via the application button by December 20, 2025.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a completed master's degree or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year at the master's 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 the undergraduate and master's level at a 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 invited for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and master's level at a university or college, and candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport containing photo and personal information.

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/)

Union contact persons:

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

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 farms, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students, and doctoral candidates, with a turnover of over three billion SEK. 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 rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.