Department of Animal Bioveterinary Sciences

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 covers everything from production animals to sports and companion animals, laboratory animals, and wildlife. The department's researchers work across the spectrum from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to the structure, function, and behavior of animals, and how these are influenced by breeding, physical activity, care, 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/)

Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs - Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prognosis

Veterinary Medical Science

Content Description:
Elbow dysplasia (ED) is a common hereditary developmental disorder in dogs. Many knowledge gaps exist regarding risk factors, optimal treatment, long-term treatment outcomes, and prognosis. The aim of the project is to increase knowledge about ED with a focus on risk factors, treatment, and prognosis. The project includes several sub-projects and both epidemiological and clinical studies. A mapping of dogs affected by ED, in the form of an epidemiological cohort study based on patient records, will be conducted. Treatment outcomes of surgical versus conservative treatment of ED will be evaluated with clinical orthopedic examinations and owner questionnaires. Prognostic factors in surgical treatment will also be evaluated. Increased knowledge in the area can improve treatment outcomes for dogs affected by ED and thus contribute to improved animal welfare.

We are now seeking an engaged and motivated PhD candidate. The project is co-financed by the Animal Healthcare Foundation in Greater Stockholm and includes supervisory expertise from the VH faculty's departments in Uppsala (HBIO and KV) as well as AWAKE Animal Hospital in Stockholm.

The work involves contacts with dog owners and clinics, practical handling of dogs, and participation in clinical studies. Uncomfortable working hours may occur. Teaching may also be included in the position.

The position involves conducting a doctoral education under supervision. This includes planning and executing the research project, data collection and processing, statistical analysis, scientific writing and publication in international journals, as well as oral and written presentation, including popular science communication. For the doctoral degree, the education must also include at least 30 higher education credits in the form of doctoral courses.

Qualifications:

The applicant must have:

• a veterinary degree with the right to practice veterinary medicine in Sweden at the time of employment
• good ability to express oneself orally and in writing in Swedish and English

As a person, you are structured, analytical, and proactive. You should have a good ability for independent planning and to comprehend and follow instructions. Furthermore, you are problem-solving and results-oriented with good collaboration skills.

Experience of clinical work in veterinary medicine, preferably in small animal surgery with a focus on orthopedics, is meritorious. A driving license (category B) is desirable. The position will be offered to the candidate who, after a qualitative overall assessment, is deemed to have the best conditions to carry out the tasks. Therefore, great importance will be placed on personal qualities and suitability for the project.

Location: Uppsala

Funding Form: Employment as a PhD candidate (4 years of education). Salary according to SLU's salary scale for doctoral students.

Extent: 100% or as agreed.

Start Date: 2026-09-15 or as agreed.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button no later than 2026-04-16.

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 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 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 across the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, 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.