Department of Clinical Sciences

The Department of Clinical Sciences is tasked with conducting high-quality academic research, doctoral education, and teaching in anesthesiology, imaging diagnostics, animal care, epidemiology, laboratory animal science, surgery, clinical chemistry, medicine, and reproduction. Our activities span all pet species within all subject areas.

Learn more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU here (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/).

Research Project/Thesis Title

Cats at the Center of the Infection Chain: Exposure and Surveillance of Viral Diseases from a One Health Perspective

Doctoral Education Subject

Veterinary Medical Science

Subject Description

The doctoral student will be affiliated with the subject of veterinary medical epidemiology. Teaching and research in this interdisciplinary field focus on how veterinary medical methods can be used to prevent diseases and other health disturbances, thereby contributing to improved animal health and promoting human health, welfare, and well-being.

Content Description:

The project aims to increase knowledge about the role of cats as potential spreaders or indicators of zoonotic diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). It also includes investigating a yet unknown, likely virus-caused infection that causes disease in cats in Sweden. Since cats live closely with both humans and other animals, they can represent an important link in understanding how new viral diseases are established, developed, and spread.

The project will include:

• Epidemiological analyses of cases of avian influenza in cats
• Investigation of patterns related to a recently observed unknown cat disease
• Work with laboratory diagnostic results and pathology
• Risk factor analysis and transmission modeling
• Assessment of potential zoonotic risk from a One Health perspective

The work is interdisciplinary and will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers at the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA). The doctoral student will be placed at the Unit for Epidemiology at the Department of Clinical Sciences, SLU.

Qualifications:

We are looking for someone who has:

• Veterinary degree
• Documented experience in statistical analysis in R
• Strong interest in epidemiology, viral infections, and One Health
• Very good ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English

Meritorious:

• Experience working with cats, clinically or research-related
• Experience in infection control/biosafety work
• Experience in scientific writing and publishing
• Experience in teaching, preferably at the university level

Eligibility

To be eligible for doctoral education, a 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.

Assessment Criteria

In the assessment, special emphasis will be placed on the applicant's motivation and interest in the research project, ability to work both independently and in a group, analytical skills, and experience with epidemiological methods. Collaboration skills, communication skills, and experience in teaching and epidemiological research will also be considered.

The position will be offered to the applicant who is deemed to have the best qualifications to carry out the research tasks. Personal qualities will be given significant weight.

Location:

Uppsala, Unit for Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences (KV), SLU.

Funding Form:

Employment as a doctoral student at 100% (4 years of education).

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button no later than 2025-12-29.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a 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 universities or colleges, two personal references, knowledge of English. More information about the requirements for English language skills can be found here (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 universities or colleges, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport that contains their photo and personal information.

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

Union Contacts:

Here (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 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an 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 the current position.