Better Nitrogen efficiency by improving Cow Resilience, Eating Dynamics, Breeding and Lifetime Efficiency

Aarhus University (AU); Aarhus; On-site; DKK 335,000 - 379,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University, Centre for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG), invites applications for a PhD project focused on nitrogen efficiency through genetic tools in dairy cattle. The PhD leverages CFIT phenotyping and Danish cattle data to advance breeding values while considering productivity, health, fertility, and resilience traits.

The project applies AI and advanced statistical genetics to support sustainable, economically viable Danish dairy farming and invites MSc graduates to apply by

Qualifications

• Master's degree (120 ECTS) in Animal Breeding.
• Experience with data handling and genetic analysis software.
• Fluent English in speaking and writing.
• Experience with livestock data is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop genetic tools to enhance nitrogen efficiency, resilience, eating dynamics, and feed efficiency.
• Utilize CFIT 3D phenotyping data and the Danish Cattle Database.
• Apply advanced statistical methods and AI in genomic breeding value development.
• Support management and breeding decision-making for dairy farmers.

Skills

Master's degree in Animal Breeding

Data analysis: R SAS Python Unix Shell

Genetic software: DMU BLUPF90 AIREML

Livestock data experience

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in Animal Breeding

Tools

DMU

BLUPF90

AIREML

R

SAS

Python

Unix Shell

Job description

Title

Better Nitrogen efficiency by improving Cow Resilience, Eating Dynamics, Breeding and Lifetime Efficiency

Research area and project description

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) holds a leading position in cattle breeding research, particularly in genetic studies on data generated by advanced phenotyping technologies such as the CFIT 3D camera system through industry collaboration with VikingGenetics. This state‑of‑the‑art system enables large‑scale, non‑invasive measurement of feed intake, body weight, and milk production data in over 30,000 cows directly in their production environment. This PhD project will leverage this extensive phenotypic dataset generated by CFIT, in combination with feeding parameters and other phenotypes from the Danish Cattle Database, to develop genetic tools aimed at enhancing nitrogen efficiency, resilience, eating dynamics and feed efficiency. The goal is to develop novel genomic breeding values for nitrogen efficiency, while considering other important breeding goal traits (e.g., productivity, health, fertility) and other traits, such as resilience, eating dynamics and feed efficiency. The project will apply advanced statistical methods, artificial intelligence, and cutting‑edge genetic models to support and enhance management and breeding decision‑making by dairy farmers. This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the green transition in agriculture by breeding cows that are both more sustainable and economically viable for the future of Danish dairy farming. We encourage candidates finishing their MSc in summer 2027 also to apply.

Qualifications and specific competences

• A relevant master's degree (120 ECTS) in Animal Breeding
• Experience with data handling softwares (e.g., R, SAS, Python, Unix Shell) and genetic softwares (e.g., DMU, BLUPF90, AIREML).
• Background in working with Livestock data is an advantage.
• The ability to speak and write English fluently is a prerequisite for the applicant.
• Can speak and write English fluently is a prerequisite.

Place of employment and place of work

The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.

Contacts

• Associate Professor Bingjie Li, e-mail: [e-mail] (main supervisor)
• Tenure Track Assistant Professor Rasmus Bak Stephansen, e-mail: [e-mail] (co‑supervisor)

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:

• [e-mail]

Application deadline is 29 November 2026 23:59 CET.

Preferred starting date is 01 March 2027.

Formalities and salary range

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions. You will be employed as an academic staff member at basic salary grades 4-8. As a PhD fellow you will also receive a monthly non‑pensionable allowance.

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.