BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Animal and Veterinary Sciences programme. The position is available from 15 September 2024 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title
Traits determining fiber digestibility of grasses and legumes in dairy cows
Research area and project description
We are seeking a dedicated PhD student for a 3-year position focused on characterizing fiber traits and improving fiber digestibility of grasses and legumes in dairy cows, and effects of biorefining.
The environmental impact of milk production is significant, with high greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff. Increasing the proportion of green perennial forages like grass, clover, and lucerne in dairy cow rations can reduce nitrogen leaching, lower carbon footprints, and minimize pesticide use compared to annual crops. To make this shift viable, enhancing the feeding value of green forages for dairy cows is essential.
The PhD student will i) develop innovative methods to study fiber characteristics and degradation kinetics in dairy cows, ii) carry out in vitro and in situ studies, iii) conduct in vivo experiments using lactating and multi-cannulated dairy cows, and iii) investigate the impact of forage processing and genetically improved high-fiber digestibility plant varieties on digestibility, milk production, and methane emissions.
The main objectives of the project are i) to analyze the relationship between fiber traits for genomic selection and their effects on in vivo digestibility, milk production, and methane emissions, and ii) to explore the benefits of advanced processing techniques and genetically enhanced forage varieties.
The PhD project is funded through FiberMilk (https://anivet.au.dk/forskning/projekter/fibermaelk-reduceret-klima-og-miljoeaftryk-fra-maelkeproduktionen-gennem-oeget-fiberfordoejelighed-af-graes-og-baelgplanteafgroeder), a GUDP-project, and through GrassProtein (https://agrifoodture.com/projects/grassprotein/), an AgriFoodTure-project. The PhD student will collaborate with university and industry partners, gaining access to expertise while engaging in impactful research.
The project offers:
- A unique opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable agriculture and climate-friendly milk production.
- A stimulating academic environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
- Collaborative projects that foster innovative thinking and practical implementation.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants must have a relevant university degree (MSc) in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or related fields. The candidate is expected to have:
- Thorough understanding of ruminant nutrition and digestion
- Experience with data analysis using at least one software
- Ability and interest in collaborating across disciplines with project partners
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- Good scientific and writing skills.
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, AU-Viborg, Research center Foulm, Blichers allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
- Professor Martin Riis Weisbjerg Martin.weisbjerg@anivet.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Postdoc Nikolaj Peder Hansen, Nikolaj.hansen@anivet.au.dk (co-supervisor)
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 30 June 2024 at 23:59 CEST.
Preferred starting date is 15 September 2024.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Viborg Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Blichers allé, 8830 Tjele
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 30-06-2024; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/6064161
