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

Center for Kvantitativ Genetik og Genomforskning; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 357,000 - 402,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics at Aarhus University invites applications for a PhD fellowship in the field of nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and feeding dynamics in dairy cattle. The project uses large-scale phenotyping data from CFIT and the Danish Cattle Database to develop genomic breeding values and AI-based tools.

The position starts 1 March 2027 or later, with a competitive Danish academic salary and a monthly allowance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Animal Breeding is required.
• Strong data handling with R/SAS/Python and Unix Shell.
• Experience with livestock data is an advantage.
• Fluent written and spoken English is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop genetic tools to enhance nitrogen efficiency using large phenotypic datasets.
• Apply advanced statistical methods and AI in genomic breeding value estimation.

Skills

R

SAS

Python

Unix Shell

DMU

BLUPF90

AIREML

Education

Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in Animal Breeding

Job description

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Quantitative Genetics and Genomics programme. The position is available from 1 March 2027 or later.

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.
• 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)

Preferred starting date is 01 March 2027.

Application deadline is 29 November 2026 23:59 CET.

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.