Postdoctoral researcher in dairy cattle grazing

The typical Nordic milk production systems are based on indoor animal management. However, Swedish regulations on animal welfare requires a partial outdoor management of cows during the summer period. In addition, grazing contributes to lowering feed costs, improves animal health and welfare, increases biodiversity, and increases carbon sequestration. Knowledge about the nutritional and metabolic impact of turnout to pasture in Sweden and other Nordic countries is scarce. According to current knowledge, milk production may be compromised due to nutritional and metabolic unbalances. Thus, there is a need for knowledge on how transition from an indoor feeding system to a part-time grazing system in spring impacts the nutritional and metabolic balance.

The first objective of this project is to investigate how turnout to pasture affects milk production and composition, blood metabolites, efficiency of nitrogen utilization, and behaviour of Nordic dairy cows. The second objective is to test various adjustments in the indoor diet in order to alleviate metabolic challenges during transition to pasture. The aim is to optimize pasture utilisation and milk production in part-time grazing systems to improve the system’s economical sustainability.

Tasks

• Perform wet chemistry analyses, manage and analyse biological data collected during grazing trials with dairy cows
• Author research articles for publication in international peer-reviewed journals within the relevant field
• Actively contribute as a co-applicant for research funding and develop independent grant applications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a doctoral degree in animal science. The candidate should have documented experience in research related to ruminants.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be able to work well both independently and in a team and have the ability to independently plan and conduct research
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Documented experience in publishing in international scientific journals
• A category B driving license

Desirable Skills

• Research experience in dairy cow nutrition and metabolism
• Expertise in wet chemistry techniques for feed analysis

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily looking for individuals who obtained their doctoral degree no
more than three years ago

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 what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Umeå

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

100%

1 September 2025

Please submit your application before deadline May 26 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

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.

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