PhD Candidate in Veterinary Medical Science

The Department of Animal Biosciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is seeking a PhD candidate for an interdisciplinary doctoral project. The position is located at the Department of Animal Biosciences, in close collaboration with the Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA) and Gård och Djurhälsan.

For detailed information about the position, please see the advertisement on SLU's website.

Research Education Subject:

Veterinary Medical Science

Research Project Name:

SAFE Pig - Disease-Safe and Profitable Pig Production in Areas with Wild Boar

Description of the PhD Project:

Swedish outdoor pig production, especially within ecological systems, contributes to increased animal welfare and sustainability but faces new challenges in the form of disease transmission from wild boars and threats such as African Swine Fever (ASF). To strengthen Sweden's preparedness in food supply, it is also important to create conditions for various forms of pig production.

The growing wild boar population, combined with the outbreak of ASF in Sweden in 2023, underscores the importance of understanding transmission pathways at the interface between pigs, the environment, and wild boars. Research already shows that transmission of pathogens occurs between wild boars and pigs in Sweden, reinforcing the need to investigate outdoor pigs as potential sentinel animals.

Traditionally, biosecurity measures have primarily focused on protecting pigs from diseases spread by wild boars, while the risk of wild boars contracting diseases from pigs has received less attention. The project questions this perception by investigating how diseases can be transmitted from pigs to wild boars and proliferated there before potentially reinfecting pigs.

The project aims to:

• Map prioritized pathogens in wild boars, domestic pigs, and the environment
• Identify contact areas where direct and indirect transmission may occur
• Refine the national biosecurity program with risk-based, farm-specific recommendations based on identified contact zones to reduce disease transmission between wild boars and domestic pigs.

Advanced molecular methods will be used to trace the origin of pathogens, assess spillover risks, and analyze environment-based contamination. Contact points between wild boars and domestic pigs will be examined to identify biosecurity gaps. The results will form the basis for tailored measures to prevent disease spread and strengthen a resilient and sustainable pig production.

Skåne has both a large pig production and a significant wild boar population. Therefore, the project will be conducted on farms and facilities in Skåne. The laboratory components of the project will take place at SLU, Campus Ultuna, in Uppsala. Travel between Uppsala and Skåne will therefore be necessary.

More information about the project can be found here: SAFE Pig project (https://www.slu.se/forskning/forskningskatalog/projekt/s/safe-pig---smittsaker-och-lonsam-produktion-av-gris-i-vildsvinstata-omraden/)

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate with education in:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Care
• Animal Agronomy/Agronomy-Animal
• Animal Science, or equivalent education

The project has an interdisciplinary approach and will provide the PhD candidate with knowledge in veterinary medicine, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and social sciences. The project will encompass a combination of field-based sampling, controlled laboratory tests, and interview studies.

What we offer:

• A supportive and collaborative research environment with supervisors who are experts in the aforementioned research areas.
• Close contact with other PhD candidates working in similar research areas.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• Opportunities to develop various research and professional skills.
• Engagement and networking within academia, authorities, and industry.
• Opportunities for international research exchange.

Job Responsibilities:

The work includes, among other things:

• Compiling scientific literature.
• Designing the framework for interviews.
• Conducting interviews and participatory observations.
• Sampling on pig farms, at wild boar slaughter, and environmental sampling in the vicinity of pig farms.
• Performing molecular characterization of pathogens.
• Analyzing results from interviews.
• Preparing and conducting a workshop with various stakeholders.

The person employed as a PhD candidate should primarily focus on their doctoral education. As a PhD candidate, you work independently and are prepared to contribute to the institution's work and development in various ways. It may be agreed upon to participate in teaching and administration, known as institutional service. Such work may comprise a maximum of 20% of full working time, and your education time will be extended in such cases.

Your Background:

Requirements:

• Master's degree in veterinary medicine, animal care, animal agronomy/agronomy-animal, animal science, or equivalent education
• Strong interest in Swedish pig production
• Driving license (B)
• Good ability to express oneself verbally and in writing in Swedish and English. Detailed information about the requirements for English language proficiency can be found at SLU's website (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/nya-doktorander-sokes/krav-pa-engelskakunskaper/)

Desirable experience includes:

• Working interdisciplinary
• Laboratory work, e.g., PCR and sequencing.
• Bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses
• Conducting surveys and/or interviews as data collection methods
• Environmental sampling
• Research methodology and/or scientific publication

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as accuracy, independence, ability to get things done, good collaboration skills, and interest in research questions with clear societal relevance.

For further information, please see the advertisement on SLU's website.

Funding and Salary:

Employment as a PhD candidate for 4 years of education. The salary for the PhD position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100% or according to agreement

Location:

Uppsala

Start Date:

According to agreement.

Application and Selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-04-27. The position is offered to the candidate who, after a qualitative overall assessment, is deemed to have the best conditions to carry out and develop the current tasks and contribute to a positive development of the activities.