Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD fellowship at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark. The project, titled Better Nitrogen efficiency by improving Cow Resilience, Eating Dynamics, Breeding and Lifetime Efficiency, focuses on developing cutting-edge genetic tools and novel genomic breeding values to support sustainable dairy farming.
Position Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Fellow / PhD Scholarship |
| Research Group | Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) |
| Faculty | Graduate School of Technical Sciences |
| Institution | Aarhus University |
| Location | Aarhus C, Denmark |
| Starting Date | 1 March 2027 (or later) |
| Application Deadline | 29 November 2026 (23:59 CET) |
Designation
PhD Fellow / PhD Scholarship
Research Area
Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Animal Breeding, Dairy Cattle Breeding, Data Science, and Nitrogen Efficiency.
Location
Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Eligibility / Qualifications
- A relevant Master’s degree (equivalent to 120 ECTS) in Animal Breeding or a closely related discipline. (Candidates completing their MSc in summer 2027 are also encouraged to apply).
- Experience with data handling programming languages and environments such as R, SAS, Python, or Unix Shell.
- Experience with specialized genetic software (e.g., DMU, BLUPF90, AIREML).
- Prior experience working with livestock data is considered a distinct advantage.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is a prerequisite.
Scholarship Description
The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) at Aarhus University holds a global leading position in cattle breeding research, specifically leveraging advanced phenotyping systems such as the CFIT 3D camera system developed with VikingGenetics. This technology collects large-scale, non-invasive data on feed intake, body weight, and milk production from over 30,000 cows in commercial production environments.
The successful PhD candidate will use this dataset along with records from the Danish Cattle Database to:
- Develop novel genomic breeding values for nitrogen efficiency.
- Evaluate correlations with other critical breeding traits, including cow resilience, eating dynamics, feed efficiency, health, fertility, and overall productivity.
- Apply advanced statistical methods, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge genetic models to support sustainable breeding and farm management decisions.
Remuneration: The position is salaried in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions (basic salary grades 4–8), including a monthly non-pensionable PhD allowance.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Aarhus University recruitment portal. For technical requirements, applicants must copy the project description provided in the call and upload it as a PDF attachment along with other required academic documents (transcripts, CV, and proof of degree). Please consult the official GSTS application guide for mandatory attachments.
For academic inquiries, you may contact:
- Associate Professor Bingjie Li (Main Supervisor): bingjie.li@qgg.au.dk
- Tenure Track Assistant Professor Rasmus Bak Stephansen (Co-supervisor): rasmus.stephansen@qgg.au.dk
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for submitting applications is 29 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Late applications will not be considered.
Apply Link
Interested candidates can access the online application form and further details via the official posting: Apply Online at Aarhus University.
