PhD Student in Milking Biology

Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare The goal of our department is to promote good animal husbandry and welfare, as well as sustainable food production with high product quality, through research and education focusing on animals, with an emphasis 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 PhD candidate, you will be part of a creative and developing environment with opportunities for networking with both industry and international contacts. More information about our department: Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare Learn more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Research project: Strategies for Increasing the Proportion of Successful Milkings in Automatic Milking Research Training Subject: Animal Science Description: An important focus within the research subject of management of ruminants is the development of knowledge around milking. Milk production is a vital part of food production both in Sweden and internationally. It is essential that the milking process is gentle and perceived as positive for the cow, and that the udder is effectively emptied of milk, since the production of milk decreases and the risk of udder health problems increases if milk remains in the udder after milking. Today's high-tech milking systems are designed to provide the best possible conditions for successful milkings, but challenges remain regarding incomplete milkings. We are now seeking a PhD candidate to work on developing strategies to increase the proportion of successful milkings on farms with automatic milking. The research will primarily take place at SLU's dairy herd at Lövsta Agricultural, Uppsala, but it may also involve collecting data on commercial farms. The project will combine factors that influence the cows' motivation to perform various activities, lactation physiology, as well as biological and technological factors related to milk let-down and milking. In addition to the research, the PhD candidate will contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and master’s levels and assist in organizing conferences and seminars for both Swedish and international participants. Qualifications: Applicants should hold a degree in agriculture with a focus on animal husbandry, including documented good knowledge of handling dairy cows and milking, as well as experience in planning and conducting trials with lactating cows. Furthermore, technical competence and a pronounced interest in technology use, in-depth knowledge of automatic milking, and experience in trial milking with residual milk removal are advantageous. Applicants are expected to be proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. You must also possess good oral and written communication skills in Swedish (at least level D in Swedish for immigrants) and English. A valid driver's license (category B) is required, and you must be prepared for an uneven workload with occasionally long working days in the barn at Lövsta Agricultural. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as commitment, ability to collaborate, sense of responsibility, independence, and attention to detail. Selection will be based on the qualifications mentioned above, the applicant's motivation for applying for the position, as well as personal traits and previous experience with trials involving cows. Location: Uppsala Type of Employment: PhD position for 4 years, 100% Start Date: 2026-01-01 or earlier by agreement. Application We welcome your application via the application button no later than 2025-11-17. To be eligible for doctoral education, a completed degree at the advanced level or at least four years of full-time studies, with at least one year at the advanced 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 the undergraduate and advanced levels at universities or colleges, two personal references, and proficiency in English. More information about the requirements for English language skills can be found on the following page: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ Please note that candidates who are called for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates or equivalent and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and advanced levels at universities or colleges, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in the passport containing 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 life, founded in science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development