PhD Position in Ruminant Nutrition and Sustainable Dairy Production Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden

This PhD position in Ruminant Nutrition and Sustainable Dairy Production at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable livestock research. The project focuses on forage-based feeds, which are central to Swedish dairy production, and aims to improve nitrogen use efficiency in dairy cows. Through feeding trials and comprehensive analyses of feed, milk, and other biological samples, the research will quantify nitrogen flows and evaluate how diet composition affects nitrogen utilization, feed intake, and milk yield.

As a doctoral student, you will be involved in all stages of the research process, including planning and conducting feeding trials, sampling and analysis of biological materials, processing and statistical analysis of experimental data, and publishing and presenting research results in scientific journals and at conferences. You will also participate in doctoral courses and contribute to departmental activities, with occasional work outside regular office hours.

Eligibility requires a Master’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Biology, or a related field, along with proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school English B/English 6. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, with a strong interest in sustainable livestock production, ruminant nutrition, environmental impacts, and production systems. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills and a valid Category B driving licence are mandatory. Experience working with cattle, data collection and management from animal feeding trials, and wet chemistry methods for feed analysis are meritorious. Applicants should attach their Master’s thesis and provide references from previous academic supervisors. Personal qualities such as initiative, attention to detail, and commitment to research are highly valued.

The Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare at SLU promotes good animal husbandry, animal welfare, and sustainable food production through research and education. The department has approximately 125 employees across Uppsala, Skara, Umeå, and Gothenburg, offering a creative and stimulating environment with opportunities for networking with industry partners and international collaborators.

The position is a full-time doctoral studentship for four years, with salary determined by the local collective agreement and fixed salary progression levels. The location is Uppsala, Sweden, and the starting date is by agreement but no later than 15 October 2026. The application deadline is 10 August 2026.

For more information about the department and doctoral education at SLU, visit SLU Work and SLU Doctoral Education. Apply online via the provided application link and ensure all required documents are included.