Vacant job

Department of Animal Science, Environment and Health

Doctoral field: Animal Science

Description of the doctoral project:

Forage is central to Swedish milk production, and its protein content and degradability can affect nitrogen utilization, feed intake, and milk yield. This doctoral project aims to investigate feeding-related opportunities to increase the nitrogen efficiency of dairy cows. The project will include feeding trials with dairy cows as well as analyses of feed, milk, and other biological samples to quantify nitrogen flows and evaluate how the composition of the diet affects nitrogen utilization.

Responsibilities:

The doctoral student will be involved in the entire research process. The tasks include, among other things, planning and conducting feeding trials with dairy cows, sampling and analyzing biological material, processing and statistical analysis of experimental data, as well as scientific publication and presentation of research results. As a doctoral student, you will also participate in doctoral education courses and in the department's activities. Unconventional working hours may occur.

Qualifications:

You have a master's degree in animal science, veterinary medicine, biology, or a corresponding field. Additionally, you are required to have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

We are looking for you who have a strong interest in sustainable animal production and research in ruminant nutrition, environmental impact, and production systems. You should have good teamwork skills and the ability to work independently.

Requirements:

• Good ability to express yourself orally and in writing in English.
• Valid driver's license (Category B).

Merits:

• Interest and preferably experience working with cattle.
• Documented experience in data collection, processing, and compilation of data from feeding trials.
• Experience with wet chemical methods for feed analysis.

We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as initiative, attention to detail, and commitment to research. Please attach your master's thesis to your application. References are requested from previous supervisors, e.g., for the BSc or MSc thesis.

About us:

The goal of our department is to promote good animal husbandry and animal welfare, as well as sustainable food production with high product quality, through research and education about animals with a focus on feed and nutrition, management and environment, ethology and animal ethics, animal welfare, and animal protection. We are approximately 125 employees working in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå, and Gothenburg.

As a doctoral student, you will be in a creative and developing environment with opportunities for networking with both industry and international contacts.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/department-of-animal-science-environment-and-health/ (https://www.slu.se/en/departments/department-of-animal-science-environment-and-health/)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/)

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/en/education/programs-courses/doctoral-education/ (http://www.slu.se/en/education/programs-courses/doctoral-education/).

Form of employment and salary:

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

The salary for the doctoral employment follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Extent:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Start date:

By agreement, but no later than October 15.

Application and selection:

Apply via the button below by August 10, 2026.

Read more about the attachments your application should contain at https://www.slu.se/en/study/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application-and-attachments/ (https://www.slu.se/en/study/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application-and-attachments/)

Selection among qualified applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and should be made with regard to 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/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable life, 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 campuses are in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations 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 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 working 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.