Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare 

About the position

Do you want to contribute to the future of sustainable milk production? We are looking for an engaged postdoctoral researcher to join our team in ruminant nutrition, with a focus on dairy cows, feeding, and sustainability.

Our current research focuses on optimizing resources, pasture and feed utilization, understanding responses in production parameters, and reducing the environmental impact of milk production.

As a postdoc, you will participate in data collection at our research farms in Uppsala and Umeå. You will have specific responsibilities within research projects and supervise PhD students in their practical work. A central part of the role is to statistically analyze and process data, write scientific papers, and communicate research findings to both the scientific community and the industry. You will be a key member of a dynamic and collaborative team working in an interdisciplinary environment and in close cooperation with various stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working both practically and analytically, and who contributes with engagement, openness, and flexibility in collaborations. 

Your profile

We are seeking a candidate with a strong scientific background and a genuine interest in research on ruminant nutrition and sustainable dairy production. To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria:

• PhD in Animal Science or an equivalent relevant field.

• Extensive experience in practical, experimental trials with ruminants.

• Ability to plan, conduct, analyze, and interpret research.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in English, and the ability to collaborate with academic colleagues, farmers, research stakeholders, the public, and the media.

• Documented experience in scientific publishing in international journals.

• Strong ability to work in a research environment with openness, flexibility, and responsibility in planning and execution.

• Willingness to stay in Umeå for extended periods during trials and to travel internationally for research activities and collaborations.

In addition to the above requirements, the following qualifications and traits are considered advantageous:

• Experience in methods for measuring methane emissions from ruminants using gas-flow equipment.

• Experience with in-vitro systems and related wet chemistry analytical methods.

• Interest in and experience with sustainability issues related to animal production, such as environmental impact and resource efficiency.

• Ability to initiate and drive research ideas, contribute to project development, and assist in writing research grant applications.

• Valid driver’s license (B).

This position is aimed at a junior researcher at the beginning of their academic career. Therefore, we primarily seek candidates who obtained their PhD within the last three years. 

About us

The goal at our institution is to promote good animal husbandry and animal welfare as well as sustainable food production with high product quality. We do this through research and education on animals with a focus on feed and nutrition, management and the environment, ethology, animal ethics and animal welfare. We are about 125 employees working in Uppsala, Skara, Umeå and Gothenburg.

More information about the department: Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare 

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala

Form of employment: 

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

1st of January or as agreed. 

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 2 of December 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.