项目介绍

2026年4月29日

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Seydlitz Laboratory for Data-Driven Dairy and Feed Research at the Department of Animal Biosciences.

About the position

Researchers at the department have previously collected rumen samples from cattle in South Africa and Ethiopia during both rainy and dry seasons. At the same time, new collaborations with Växa Sverige and the Global Methane Genetics Initiative have created a need to process rumen samples collected in Sweden.

The successful candidate will be responsible for completing the analysis of the international rumen datasets and support collection of new samples from Swedish dairy herds where methane emissions from the cows’ breath are measured. The work will build upon existing datasets in which rumen microbiomes from drought and rainy seasons have been sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technology, and will also involve the collection and analysis of new microbiome data generated using 16S sequencing.

The main responsibilities of the position include:

• Completing the analysis of how microbiome changes during drought conditions influence feed efficiency in cattle.
• Initiating collaborations on microbiome sampling and contributing to the collection of samples that complement those gathered within the Global Methane Genetics Initiative.
• Contributing to method development and bioinformatic analysis of the rumen microbiome to study methane emissions and feed efficiency.

The Seydlitz Laboratory for Data-Driven Dairy and Feed Research is part of the Department of Animal Biosciences and is funded by the Seydlitz MP Foundation to support the development of Swedish agriculture. The laboratory focuses on structuring and utilizing the large data streams generated in digitalized agriculture. Machine learning plays a central role in much of our research, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and new data-exchange standards in agriculture creates new opportunities to integrate data across multiple systems. As a Seydlitz researcher, you will play an important role in designing and structuring the data pipelines that will support future agricultural research. During the employment you will also have opportunities for professional development and academic merit building, and you will be encouraged to apply for external research funding in order to establish an independent research profile within the agricultural data science sector.

The position will be offered to the candidate who, after a comprehensive assessment, is considered to have the best qualifications to carry out and further develop the tasks described above and to contribute to the continued development of the research environment.

Your profile

We are looking for a person who either has a doctoral degree no more than three years old or is expected to defend his/her thesis in the spring of 2026. You should be able to work independently and be able to conduct academic research with a focus on the rumen microbiome.

Required qualifications:

• Documented experience with bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data
• Good understanding of how pre-analytical and laboratory methods can affect data quality
• Experience in managing, compiling, and visualising data
• Good knowledge of bioinformatics within metagenomics and large-scale sequencing (NGS)
• Documented experience in sequencing data analysis using relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, R)
• Knowledge of working in a Linux environment and on HPC systems
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks effectively
• Ability to quickly learn new skills
• Ability to independently identify and solve problems during data analysis

In addition to the qualifications listed above, we value previous experience in method development and development of analysis tools.

We are looking for someone who is outgoing, proactive, responsible, meticulous, and comfortable working both independently and in a team. Together with other researchers, you should be able to plan for future agricultural research and be able to lead projects where new data flows are integrated into SLU’s infrastructure for cattle data, Gigacow.

Languages: The applicant should be able to write and communicate in English, knowledge of Swedish is an advantage.

The position will be offered to the candidate that after a qualitative assessment is deemed to be the most suitable to perform and develop the project tasks as well as contributing to a positive development of the subject area.

About us

As a researcher at the Seydlitz Laboratory, you will work in the research group for quantitative genetics, which is part of the Department of Animal Biosciences. Within the research group, we work extensively with genomic selection and quantitative models for genetics. The SLU infrastructure for cattle data, Gigacow, is a faculty-wide resource and you will therefore have an important role in collaboration with a focus on research related to feed, nutrition and animal health.

For more information about the department or division visit: Department of Animal Biosciences | slu.se

More information about the scientific director of the project: Tomas Klingström | slu.se

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: Work at SLU / about SLU | slu.se

Location:

Campus Ultuna, Uppsala

Form of employment:

Postdoctoral Researcher. Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed. 

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 12 May 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

Union representatives at SLU | slu.se

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.