PhD in Ruminant Nutrition and Sustainable Milk Production — SLU Uppsala

Original title: Doktorand inom idisslarnutrition och hållbar mjölkproduktion

About the position

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a PhD student position in ruminant nutrition and sustainable milk production. The position is placed at the Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare in Uppsala, Sweden. This is a four-year, full-time doctoral education (100%) with a start date by agreement, but no later than 15 October 2026. The salary follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Project description

Forage is central to Swedish milk production, and its protein content and degradability can affect nitrogen utilization, feed intake, and milk yield. This PhD project aims to investigate feeding strategies that can increase nitrogen efficiency in dairy cows. The project will include feeding trials with dairy cows and analyses of feed, milk, and other biological samples to quantify nitrogen flows and evaluate how diet composition affects nitrogen utilisation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct feeding trials with dairy cows
• Sample and analyse biological material (feed, milk, etc.)
• Process and statistically analyse experimental data
• Publish scientific articles and present research results
• Participate in doctoral courses and departmental activities
• Irregular working hours may occur

Eligibility and required qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in animal science, veterinary medicine, biology, or a related field
• English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school English B/6
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• Valid B driving licence
• Strong interest in sustainable animal production and research in ruminant nutrition, environmental impact, and production systems
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Desirable qualifications

• Interest and preferably experience in working with cattle
• Documented experience in data collection, processing, and compilation from feeding trials
• Experience with wet chemical methods for feed analysis
• Initiative, accuracy, and commitment to research will be highly valued

What we offer

The Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare aims to promote good animal husbandry, animal welfare, and sustainable food production with high product quality through research and education focusing on feed and nutrition, management and environment, ethology and animal ethics, and animal welfare. The department has about 125 employees located in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå, and Göteborg. As a PhD student at SLU, you will work in a creative and developing environment with opportunities for networking with both industry and international contacts.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via SLU’s application system no later than 10 August 2026 (reference number SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-1946). The application must include:

• Your master’s thesis (or equivalent)
• References from previous supervisors (e.g., for BSc or MSc thesis)
• Other attachments as specified on SLU’s doctoral application instructions page

Selection among eligible applicants will be based on the submitted documents and the ability to successfully complete the doctoral education within the stipulated time. For further information, contact Professor Mikaela Lindberg (phone: +4618671013, email: [email protected]).

Employer: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare. Location: Uppsala. Employment type: Fixed-term (4 years). Publication date: 18 June 2026.

Original vacancy