PhD student in biomass resources, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Summary

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Biosystems and Technology, invites applications for a fully funded doctoral position investigating the use of agricultural crop biomass for biogas within sustainable cropping systems. The project will combine field experiments, systems analysis and scenario modelling to study biomass quantities, nutrient dynamics and trade-offs between food production, energy supply and environmental outcomes. The position is based at SLU Alnarp and is part of the national Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC).

Designation

PhD student (Doctoral student) in biomass resources from sustainable cropping systems

Key details

Research Area

This PhD project sits at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, bioenergy and resource cycling. It focuses on:

• Use of agricultural crop biomass (cover crops, leys, straw from cereals, legumes and oilseeds, beet leaves, and potentially wood) as substrates for biogas production.
• Crop yields, crop and soil nutrient dynamics, and nutrient redistribution via biogas digestates under alternative biomass removal scenarios.
• Systems analysis, scenario modelling and multi-criteria sustainability assessment of cropping systems (conventional, organic, agroforestry and perennial cereal systems).

Location

The successful candidate will be based at SLU’s Alnarp campus in southern Sweden. The role includes interdisciplinary and international collaboration across SLU and external partners within the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC).

Eligibility / Qualification

• General entry requirements: a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, or equivalent knowledge corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level (or equivalent by other means).
• Specific requirements for agricultural science: equivalent knowledge of at least 90 credits in relevant subjects, including a degree project; at least 30 credits must be at the advanced level.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as agricultural engineering (crop production), agricultural science, agroecology, agronomy, biology, environmental science, horticultural science or a closely related discipline.
• English language proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary English B/6.
• Knowledge of Swedish is advantageous but not required.

Scholarship Description

The doctoral project aims to develop holistic solutions for supplying agricultural crop biomass to a growing bioeconomy while maintaining sustainable food production and resource use. Research activities include:

• Field-based measurements and sampling within an existing long-term cropping systems experiment (four systems: conventional, organic, agroforestry and perennial cereals).
• Quantification of biomass quantities and nutrient contents for multiple biomass types, integrating new analyses with existing experimental data and external databases.
• Literature review to summarise current evidence and identify knowledge gaps regarding agricultural biomass for bioenergy and internal nutrient cycling via biogas digestates.
• Development of biomass removal and nutrient redistribution scenarios, and calculation of energy and nutrient balances and implications for food provisioning at the cropping system level.
• Production of knowledge relevant to science, industry and policy on designing cropping systems that optimise synergies and minimise trade-offs across productivity, profitability, energy provision, nutrient balance and environmental impact.

Your profile

The project seeks a motivated researcher able to work across disciplines and integrate knowledge from agronomy, systems analysis and bioenergy. Relevant experience or documented skills include:

• Agricultural cropping systems, crop management and diversification.
• Systems analysis, multi-criteria sustainability assessments, modelling or scenario analysis.
• Knowledge of bioenergy systems using agricultural biomass and nutrient cycling via digestates.
• Understanding of crop and soil nutrient dynamics and nutrient balance assessments.
• Statistical analysis and experience handling experimental datasets with multiple factors.
• Good analytical skills, independence, systematic work habits and ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English; communication skills for scientific and stakeholder engagement. Swedish language skills are a plus.

How to Apply

Submit your application using the online application link below. Your application should include the requested attachments described on SLU’s doctoral application guidance page. Selection will be based on the application documents and assessed with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Read more about required attachments and doctoral application procedures: SLU — How to become a doctoral student (application)

Last Date for Apply

27 November 2026

Apply Link

Apply for the PhD position — SLU (online application)

Additional information

The position is part of the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC), a national transdisciplinary competence centre involving SLU, Linköping University and around 50 public and private partner organisations. The BSRC supports co-production of knowledge through close collaboration between academia, industry and public stakeholders, and receives support from the Swedish Energy Agency.

For information about the hosting department: Department of Biosystems and Technology — SLU

Read about working at SLU and staff benefits: Work at SLU