项目介绍

2026年4月27日

Description of the doctoral project: Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems across scales, from molecular processes to ecosystems. The DDLS program aims to train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and build internationally leading computational capabilities in Sweden.

This PhD position is part of the DDLS research area Evolution and Biodiversity.

Data-driven evolution and biodiversity concerns research that takes advantage of massive data streams such as genome sequencing, high-throughput imaging, and continuous recording of biological systems to understand how organisms evolve and function.

How genetic variation shapes body form and function is one of the central open questions in biology. This project aims to address this challenge using cutting-edge AI and large-scale multimodal data.

We are recruiting a PhD student for the project: “The code that shapes the body: AI and digital phenotyping to decode evolutionary morphology in domesticated animals.”

The project aims to uncover how genetic variation shapes body form and function by developing a data-driven framework linking DNA, 3D body shape, and motion in horses.

The PhD student will work on three interconnected research directions:

• Multimodal modelling integrating language, visual and quantitative shape representations
• Analysis of structure–function relationships between morphology and movement
• Modelling genome–phenotype relationships using machine learning and genomic language models

The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of artificial intelligence and biology, combining multimodal machine learning with real-world biological data. The results will contribute to a new generation of data-driven methods for understanding biological form, function, and evolution.

The project combines computer vision, machine learning, genomics, and biomechanics, and involves large-scale multimodal datasets including images, 3D models, expert breeding assessments of conformation, motion data, and whole-genome sequences.

The research will be conducted at SLU in close collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and international partners.

The PhD student will be supervised by Associate Professor Elin Hernlund (SLU) and co-supervised by Professor Hedvig Kjellström (KTH, Division of Robotics, Perception and Learning) and Associate Professor Sofia Mikko (SLU). The supervisory team brings expertise in computer vision, machine learning, and genomics, providing a strong foundation for interdisciplinary training.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates interested in developing novel computational approaches and contributing to high-impact research.

About the position

The PhD student will:

• Develop machine learning models for digital phenotyping and genomics
• Work with multimodal datasets (images, 3D data, motion, genomics)
• Implement models in Python (e.g. PyTorch) using high-performance computing infrastructure
• Integrate data across phenotype, motion, and genomic domains
• Participate in the DDLS Research School, including courses, workshops, and national collaborations

The position offers interdisciplinary training at the interface of AI and life science.

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).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in Technology. The specific entry requirements for the subject technology are the equivalent of at least 90 higher education credits in courses relevant to technology. This must include at least 30 credits at advanced level and the student must have demonstrated the ability to work independently in a degree project. Applicants with a different, comparable educational background may be eligible; this will be decided by the faculty board on a case-by case basis.

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

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with strong motivation for interdisciplinary and data-driven research.

Required qualifications:

• Experience in programming (Python preferred)
• Experience with data science, computer science or biostatistics
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Meritorious qualifications:

• Experience with machine learning or deep learning
• Experience with computer vision or image analysis
• Experience with 3D data, geometric representations, or parametric models
• Knowledge of genetics or biological data
• Experience working with large datasets or high-performance computing

We place strong emphasis on analytical ability, curiosity, and the capacity to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. An interest in animals is a plus.

About us

The position is based at the Department of Animal Biosciences at SLU in Uppsala, within the Animal Locomotion and Emotion Laboratory. The department is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for education and research in several basic and applied areas. These areas include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, genetics, breeding, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootology, comparative medicine, food safety, bioinformatics and One Health. Our research covers everything from production animals to sports and pet animals, laboratory animals and wild animals. The department’s researchers work on the entire scale from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to the structure, function and behaviour of animals, and how these are affected by breeding, physical activity, care, production, stress, environmental factors and diseases.

The research environment combines biomechanics, artificial intelligence, and animal genetics, with access to advanced infrastructure including 3D scanning systems, motion capture technologies, and computational resources for data-driven analysis.

The PhD student will be part of the DDLS Research School, a national program offering courses, workshops, and networking across Sweden.

The project is conducted in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and international research partners, including Dr Senya Polikovsky at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (Tübingen, Germany), Dr Silvia Zuffi at IMATI-CNR (Milan, Italy) and Dr Michela Ablondi (Parma University, Italy). These collaborations provide access to leading expertise in computer vision, 3D modelling, and AI-based biological modelling and genomics, including internationally leading groups in this field.

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

Form of employment
Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme)

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

Location:
Uppsala, Sweden

Scope:
100%

Start date:
October 2026

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 1 June 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.

Academic union representatives:

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.