About this role
Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare
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 focused on animals, including feed and nutrition, care 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 development-oriented environment with opportunities for networking with both industry and international contacts.
For more information about the department: Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare
Learn more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/
Evaluation of Swedish feed additives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sustainable beef production systems.
Research Subject: Animal Science
Content Description:
Global warming is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and agriculture significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Among agriculture's sources, beef production is a substantial emitter of methane — a potent greenhouse gas formed during fermentation processes in the rumen. In Sweden, new feed additives are currently being developed to reduce methane emissions from cattle and promote sustainable and climate-friendly animal production.
This doctoral project will focus on evaluating the potential of these Swedish feed additives through a combination of laboratory experiments and feeding trials. Several in vitro gas production experiments will be conducted to identify the most promising additives. These feed additives will then be tested in feeding trials where methane emissions and feed efficiency will be measured and calculated using the GreenFeed system. The feeding trials will be conducted at the Röbäcksdalen Research Farm in Umeå and will include a long-term study where cows are fed high-quality forage as a base.
The doctoral student will be responsible for planning and executing laboratory experiments, conducting two feeding trials with dairy cows, data analysis, life cycle assessments, and publishing results in scientific journals. The candidate is also expected to present research findings at national and international conferences, write popular science summaries, and participate in teaching and supervising master's students.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a motivated candidate with documented experience in animal studies, ruminant nutrition, in vitro techniques for gas production, and working with cattle, including in vivo measurements of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., using the GreenFeed system).
At the time of employment, a completed degree at the master's level is required. Good oral and written proficiency in English is a necessity, as the work environment is international. Proficiency in Swedish or another Nordic language is a significant advantage.
The position also requires a valid driver's license (Category B).
Location:
Umeå
Employment Type:
Doctoral student position, 100% (4 years of education)
Start Date:
February 1, 2026, or by agreement.
Application
We welcome your application via the application button by December 20, 2025.
To be eligible for doctoral education, a completed master's degree or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year is at the master's level, is required.
Selection among eligible applicants will be based on: written application including CV; thesis, copies of degree certificates, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and master's levels at a university or college, two personal references, and English language skills. More information on English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/
Please note that candidates called for an interview must submit verified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and master's levels at a university or college. Candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a verified copy of the page in their passport that contains their photo and personal information.
Learn more about SLU's doctoral education at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/
Union Contacts:
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, founded 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 locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental farms, and educational sites across the country.
SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students, and doctoral candidates, with an annual turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations among people with diverse experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome