Department of Animal Biosciences

The department is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for education and research in several fundamental and applied scientific areas. These areas include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, genetics, breeding, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootiology, comparative medicine, food safety, bioinformatics, and One Health.

Our research encompasses everything from production animals to sport and companion animals, laboratory animals, and wildlife. The department's researchers work across the spectrum from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to animal structure, function, and behavior, and how these are influenced by breeding, physical activity, husbandry, production, stress, environmental factors, and diseases.

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

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/)

Optimized Dosage of Antibiotics - For Effective Treatment and Reduced Antibiotic Resistance

Veterinary Medical Science with a Focus on Veterinary Pharmacology and Antimicrobial Therapy

Content Description:

Bacterial infections cause suffering for animals and reduced production and economic losses for the industry. Effective antibiotic treatment is therefore necessary from both an animal welfare and production perspective. At the same time, the development of antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to human and animal health. A central tool to counteract the development of resistance is a well-founded and optimized dosage of antibiotics, based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) principles. The knowledge that the doctoral student acquires within PK/PD is useful for optimizing the dosage of antibiotics regardless of species, as well as for studies of other drugs beyond antibiotics.

This doctoral project aims to optimize dosing regimens for tylosin and penicillin in the treatment of pigs, with the goal of achieving clinical efficacy and minimizing the risk of resistance development.

We are looking for a motivated doctoral student in veterinary medical science. The project includes experimental and model-based studies where pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are integrated to identify optimal dosing strategies. The work includes, among other things:

• Pharmacokinetic studies of antibiotics in pigs in vivo.
• Analysis of drug concentrations in plasma
• Determination of plasma protein binding
• Studies of antibacterial effect (MIC determination and time-kill studies) against clinically relevant bacteria in vitro
• PK/PD modeling and simulation
• Collaboration with authorities, academia, and the pig industry

The project is conducted in close collaboration between SLU, SVA, and stakeholders in the pig industry. The doctoral student will be supervised by an experienced and interdisciplinary supervisory team and will have the opportunity for international research exchange in modeling and simulation.

The doctoral education includes planning and conducting research studies, data collection and analysis, scientific publication in international journals, and oral and written presentation of research results, including popular science communication.

Qualifications:

Requirements:

• Veterinary degree (eligibility to practice veterinary medicine in Sweden at the time of employment)
• Good ability to express oneself in spoken and written Swedish and English. Detailed information about the requirements for English language proficiency can be found at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/nya-doktorander-sokes/krav-pa-engelskakunskaper/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/nya-doktorander-sokes/krav-pa-engelskakunskaper/)
• Driving license B

Meritorious:

• Experience in veterinary pharmacology, infectious diseases, or antibiotic use
• Experience in laboratory work, e.g., bacteriology
• Experience in statistical analysis or PK/PD modeling
• Experience in research methodology and/or scientific publication
• Experience in pig medicine

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as accuracy, independence, good collaboration skills, and interest in research questions with clear societal relevance.

Location:

Uppsala

Funding Form:

Employment as a doctoral student for 4 years of education.

Scope:

100 %

Start Date:

As soon as possible, by agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button no later than 2026-02-20.

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 university or college, two personal references, knowledge of English. More information about the requirements for English language proficiency 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 undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport that contains 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 parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 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 with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.