Vacant job

Department of Energy and Technology

PhD Subject:

Technology

Description of the PhD Project:

Food waste is an issue that has received increasing attention in recent years, and reducing food waste across all parts of the food chain is crucial for achieving sustainable development. In sectors such as elderly care, food waste is particularly problematic as it represents unnecessary resource consumption and can be an indicator that elderly individuals are not receiving adequate nutrition. Automated measurement systems can provide long, uninterrupted data series that enable a better understanding of when, where, and why food waste occurs.

Responsibilities:

We are looking for a PhD student who will work on developing and refining automated measurement systems for food waste. These systems are based on scales and single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi) equipped with cameras that automatically record food waste. The role involves further developing existing hardware and software, testing and validating the measurement systems in real-world environments, and applying them among consumers in private households, schools, and elderly care facilities. The work also includes analyzing collected data, evaluating the reliability and usability of the measurement systems, and developing a categorization system.

The work aims to develop measurement systems to test various measures intended to reduce food waste among consumers. The work is carried out in collaboration with stakeholders and project partners, which may involve travel.

Qualifications:

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Special eligibility for admission to the PhD program in Technology is granted to those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits in courses relevant to technology. These must include an independent project and at least 30 higher education credits at an advanced level. For others, special eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis considering the research assignment.

Additionally, you must have English language skills equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your Background:

Requirements:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field such as technology, food science, computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related area.
• The holder of the position must be able to communicate fluently in English.

Merits:

• Experience working with single-board computers and/or embedded systems such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino.
• Experience programming in Python.
• Knowledge of sensor technology, IoT, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with image recognition (e.g., OpenCV, TensorFlow, or similar).
• Experience in prototype development including both hardware and software.
• Knowledge of food waste and food systems.
• Experience in data analysis and statistical methods.
• Experience in scientific writing and communication.
• Ability to communicate in Swedish.
• Valid driver's license (Category B).

Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities, such as teamwork skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for independent work.

About Us:

The Department of Energy and Technology at the Centre for Sustainable Communities (MVM) offers an stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. We are among the leading institutions in the country regarding the analysis of systems for the production of food, biomaterials, and bioenergy using life cycle assessment. The department and involved researchers have extensive experience in PhD education and supervision.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (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/)

Read more about SLU's PhD education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ (http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/).

Employment Type and Salary:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education).

The salary for the PhD position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100 %.

Location:

Uppsala.

Start Date:

As agreed.

Application and Selection:

Please submit your application via the button below by 2026-06-15.

Read more about the attachments your application should include at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/)

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and should take into account the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union Representatives

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (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 the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, demonstration parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and PhD students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.