PhD student in Agroecological Crop Management

Department for Molecular Sciences Subject area: Biology Description of the PhD projects We are seeking two PhD students in the field of biogas production, with a focus on the digestion process. The biogas process is currently an important tool for achieving multiple societal benefits and environmental goals. Through anaerobic digestion, a wide range of organic waste streams and residues can be treated while simultaneously closing nutrient cycles and producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich biofertilizers. Biogas production also contributes to increased preparedness and self-sufficiency. The biogas process is driven by complex microbial communities that must remain balanced to ensure efficient and stable biogas production. At the Department of Molecular Sciences, research is conducted both on process operation and optimization and on process microbiology, often in close integration. The PhD projects will focus on the following areas, with some opportunity for the successful candidates to influence the detailed project design. Biogas production from agricultural feedstocks – Process optimisation. Biogas production in the agricultural sector is currently expanding rapidly, creating a strong need for new knowledge and technological development. As a PhD student in this project, you will operate and evaluate different laboratory-scale biogas processes with the aim of optimising both biogas production and biofertiliser quality. The processes will be studied using chemical and microbiological analyses, and there will also be opportunities to work with process modelling. Process microbiology. This project focuses on the microbiology of different types of biogas processes and on how microbial activity is affected by different operational conditions, as well as how these changes relate to process function and stability. The work will involve molecular biological methods and bioinformatics to analyse microbial communities in both laboratory-scale and full-scale biogas processes. The aim is to identify microorganisms and microbial markers associated with specific operating conditions and to be used to predict process disturbances. Qualifications: A Master's degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related field. Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken (equivalent to a passing grade in Swedish upper secondary school English B/English 6). Your profile: We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong commitment to advancing renewable energy systems and a keen interest in biotechnology and industrial microbiology. Applicants should be able to read and critically evaluate scientific literature in English and communicate effectively in both written and spoken English. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential. Meritorious qualifications: Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas are considered an advantage: Biogas processes, Modelling and/or programming, statistics, Swedish language skills About us: The positions are based at the Department of Molecular Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. For more information about the department, please visit our website: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/molecular-sciences/ The positions are connected to the national transdisciplinary centre of excellence, the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC), as well as the Interreg project BEAR for the PhD project 1, carried out in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology and the University of Oulu. BSRC brings together researchers from Linköping University and SLU, together with approximately 50 private and public organizations representing the entire biogas value chain. The PhD positions within BSRC are intended to promote co-production of knowledge between academia, industry, and the public sector, thereby ensuring long-term competence development in both research and industry. Both projects will be carried out within the Microbial Biotechnology research group, and the principal supervisor for both projects will be Professor Anna Schnürer. The PhD students will also be supervised by additional researchers within the research group, ensuring access to the expertise required for the successful completion of the projects. Since the projects are conducted in close collaboration with industry and other societal stakeholders, the supervisory teams may also include external supervisors from industry. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Read more about doctoral studies at SLU: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/ Employment and salary: The position is a full-time doctoral studentship comprising four years of postgraduate education. Salary is determined according to the local collective agreement for doctoral students, with fixed salary progression levels. Scope: 100 % av heltid Location: Uppsala Start date: Upon agreement but not later than December 2026 Application and selection: Please submit your application using the link below not later than 2026-08-31. Applicants are welcome to apply for one or both PhD positions. The application must clearly state which project(s) are being applied for, indicate which project is the applicant's first priority, and explain the reasons for this choice. Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/ Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant's ability to complete the programme within the allotted time. Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

PhD Position in Ruminant Nutrition and Sustainable Dairy Production Subject area: Animal Science Project description Forage-based feeds are central to Swedish dairy production, and their protein content and degradability can influence nitrogen utilization, feed intake, and milk yield. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate nutritional strategies to improve nitrogen use efficiency in 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 diet composition affects nitrogen utilization. Duties The PhD student will participate in all stages of the research process. Duties include planning and conducting feeding trials with dairy cows, 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. The successful candidate will also participate in doctoral courses and contribute to departmental activities. Work outside regular office hours may occur. Eligibility Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Biology, or a related field. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school English B/English 6. Qualifications We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in sustainable livestock production and research in ruminant nutrition, environmental impacts, and production systems. The candidate should have good interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Requirements Excellent written and spoken English communication skills. Valid Category B driving licence. Meritorious qualifications Interest in, and preferably experience working with cattle. Documented experience in data collection, processing, and management of data from animal feeding trials. Experience with wet chemistry methods for feed analysis. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as initiative, attention to detail, and commitment to research. Applicants are requested to attach their Master’s thesis to the application. References from previous academic supervisors, for example from BSc or MSc thesis projects, are highly desirable. About us The mission of our department is to promote good animal husbandry, animal welfare, and sustainable food production with high product quality through research and education on animals, with a focus on feed and nutrition, management and environment, ethology and animal ethics, animal welfare, and animal protection. We have approximately 125 employees working in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå, and Gothenburg. As a doctoral student, you will be part of a creative and stimulating environment with opportunities for networking with both industry partners and international collaborators. More information about the department: Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Read more about doctoral education at SLU:https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/ Employment and salary The position is a full-time doctoral studentship comprising four years of postgraduate education. Salary is determined according to the local collective agreement for doctoral students, with fixed salary progression levels. Scope 100% full-time. Location Uppsala, Sweden. Starting date By agreement, but no later than 15 October 2026. Application deadline: 2026-08-10