PhD student in biomass resources from sustainable cropping systems

Department of Biosystems and Technology

PhD project in Agricultural Science: Using agricultural crop biomass for biogas in synergy with the development of sustainable cropping systems

Note: This advertisement is abbreviated to fit in Platsbanken's recruitment tool. To view the ad in its entirety including additional information, please visit https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/

About the position

Targeting the sustainable supply of agricultural crop biomass as substrates for biogas, the project will use a field experiment platform to investigate crop yields and crop nutrient dynamics in different scenarios for biomass removal and nutrient redistribution via digestates. The research will primarily be based on an ongoing long-term cropping systems experiment with four distinct systems: conventional, organic, agroforestry and perennial cereal.

The biomass resources to be studied include, but are not limited to: cover crops, ley, straw (from cereals, grain legumes and oilseed crops), beet leaves, and possibly wood. Studies on quantities and nutrient contents of different biomasses build on existing data from the experiment, to be complemented with additional sample collection and analyses as well as literature data or data from agricultural statistics databases.

The holder of this position will be a part of a national transdisciplinary center of excellence called Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). Here, co-production of new and relevant knowledge is generated through collaboration between different scientific disciplines as well as between researchers and practitioners from industry and public organizations. The BSRC includes researchers and support from two universities, Linköping University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, as well as about 50 private and public organizations involving all parts of the biogas system. It also has support from the Swedish Energy Agency.

All doctoral positions advertised within BSRC will be formulated so that they fit into the competence center's research plans and at the same time reflect our parties' interests. This way, we ensure long-term competence supply to both industry and academia.

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

You should have a Master’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant field such as agricultural engineering (with specialization in crop production), agricultural science, agroecology, agronomy, biology, environmental science, horticultural science or another closely related discipline.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an interest in sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy systems, and in analysing complex interactions between biomass and food production and cropping system sustainability.

Experience or documented knowledge in one or several of the following areas is particularly relevant:

• agricultural cropping systems, crop management and diversification;
• systems analysis and/or multi-criteria sustainability assessments;
• modelling or scenario analysis;
• bioenergy systems based on agricultural crop biomass resources;
• nutrient cycling e.g. via redistribution of biomass resources and biogas digestates;
• crop and soil nutrient dynamics and nutrient balances at field and cropping system levels;
• statistical analysis and handling of datasets with multiple experimental factors and response variables

The project strives to provide knowledge for several societal sectors (bioenergy, food production, environmental impact), it is therefore important to have an ability to understand and integrate information from different scientific fields. The successful candidate should have good analytical skills, be able to work independently and systematically, and at the same time enjoy collaboration in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Excellent written and spoken English is required. Good communication skills and an interest in communicating research both scientifically and to stakeholders are important. Knowledge of Swedish is advantageous but not a requirement.

Personal qualities, motivation for doctoral studies and the ability to successfully complete the research project will be given considerable weight in the selection process.

About us

Information about the department: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/biosystems-technology/

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/

Form of employment / Funding

Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme).

Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Location:

Alnarp, Sweden

Scope:

100%

Start date:

Upon agreement. Preferably in January/February 2027.

Application and selection:

Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is November 27, 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.