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

Center for Kvantitativ Genetik og Genomforskning; Denmark; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly allowance

Academic staff position

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a PhD fellowship in the Quantitative Genetics and Genomics programme. The project focuses on nitrogen efficiency, resilience, eating dynamics and feed efficiency in dairy cattle using CFIT phenotypes and national databases.

The position starts 1 March 2027 or later and includes a basic academic salary with a monthly allowance. The successful candidate will have a Master’s in Animal Breeding, experience with data handling (R, SAS, Python, Unix Shell) and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Animal Breeding.
• Experience with data handling software (R, SAS, Python, Unix Shell).
• English fluency is a prerequisite.

Responsibilities

• Develop genetic tools and models to improve nitrogen efficiency, resilience, eating dynamics and feed efficiency in dairy cattle.
• Collaborate with national databases and CFIT phenotyping data to support breeding decisions.

Education

Master's degree in Animal Breeding

Tools

DMU

BLUPF90

AIREML

Job description

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

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. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.

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

Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:

• 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]

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.