Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare

About the job

Do you want to contribute to the sustainable milk production of the future? We are looking for an engaged postdoctoral researcher to join our research team in ruminant nutrition, focusing on dairy cows, feeding, and sustainability.

The research we conduct today includes optimizing resources, pasture and feed utilization, understanding responses in production parameters, and reducing the environmental impact of milk production.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will participate in data collection at our research farms in Uppsala and Umeå. You will have your own responsibilities within the research projects and supervise PhD students in their practical work. A central part of the role is to analyze and statistically process data, write scientific articles, and disseminate research results to both the academic community and the industry. You will be a key person in a dynamic and collaborative team that works interdisciplinary and in close cooperation with various stakeholders. We are looking for someone who enjoys working both practically and analytically, and who contributes with engagement, openness, and flexibility in collaborations.

Your background

We are looking for someone with a strong scientific background and a genuine interest in research within ruminant nutrition and sustainable milk production. To succeed in this role, you must meet the following requirements:

• PhD in animal science or a related relevant field.
• Extensive experience in practical, experimental trials with ruminants.
• Ability to plan, conduct, analyze, and interpret research.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing in English, and the ability to collaborate with academic colleagues, farmers, research stakeholders, the public, and media.
• Documented experience in scientific publishing in international journals.
• Good ability to operate in a research environment, with openness, flexibility, and responsibility in planning and executing work.
• Willing to live for extended periods in Umeå for trials and also to travel internationally for research activities and collaborations.

In addition to the above requirements, the following experiences and qualities are meritorious:

• Experience with methods for measuring methane from ruminants using gas flow equipment.
• Experience with in-vitro systems and related wet chemical analytical methods.
• Interest in and experience with sustainability issues related to animal production, such as environmental impact and resource efficiency.
• Ability to initiate and drive research ideas and contribute to project development and applications for research funding.
• Driver's license, B.

The position is aimed at a junior researcher at the beginning of their scientific career. We are therefore primarily looking for candidates who have obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About us

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 about animals with a focus on feed and nutrition, care and environment, ethology and animal ethics, animal welfare, and animal protection. We have about 125 employees working in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå, and Gothenburg.

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

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/)

Location:

Uppsala

Employment form:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start date:

January 1 or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2025-12-02.

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 parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students, and researchers, 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 integrity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.