PhD student in biosecurity from a systems perspective

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is seeking a PhD student with a focus on biosecurity from a systems perspective. The position is located at the Department of Clinical Sciences, in close collaboration with the Department of Animal Biosciences.

Subject description

Biosecurity is a central component of a sustainable and resilient animal production system and constitutes an important part of integrated work on animal health, disease control, and prevention. From a systems perspective, biosecurity interacts with other measures such as animal health monitoring, vaccination, and breeding for increased robustness. There are, however, significant knowledge gaps regarding how the effects of biosecurity practices can be measured, monitored, and evaluated at the national level.

Project description

The PhD project focuses on developing and evaluating indicators for the effects of biosecurity from an integrated management perspective. The project is linked to the EU-funded collaboration EUPHAW (European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare).

The overall aim the project is to define, test, and evaluate indicators that reflect the effects of biosecurity in interaction with animal health monitoring and other disease-preventive measures, such as vaccination and breeding for increased resilience.

The PhD student will specifically:

• Coordinate the development of a conceptual model for biosecurity from a systems perspective
• Work with analyses of Swedish national data to evaluate the effects of biosecurity measures
• Contribute to methodological development for integrated analysis of biosecurity, animal health, and disease control
• Actively participate in national and international collaborations within EUPHAW and related networks

The project is conducted in an interdisciplinary environment with strong links to veterinary medicine, epidemiology, and preventive animal health.

Duties

The main task is to pursue doctoral studies, which includes planning, conducting, analyzing, and publishing research results as well as attend courses. The position may also include teaching, primarily in epidemiology, as well as some administrative duties, in accordance with SLU regulations.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A veterinary degree
• A strong interest in epidemiology and biosecurity
• Strong communication skills in English and Swedish, both spoken and written

Assessment Criteria

Assessment will consider motivation and interest in the research project, ability to work independently and in a team, analytical skills, and experience with epidemiological methods, as well as collaboration and communication skills. Experience in teaching and epidemiological research is considered an asset.

The position will be offered to the applicant deemed to have the best potential to carry out the research tasks. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities.

Eligibility

To be eligible for doctoral studies, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree or have completed at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year at the second-cycle level.

Location and Employment Conditions

The position is located at the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in close collaboration with the Department of Animal Biosciences. The employment covers four years of full-time doctoral studies, with the possibility of extension due to teaching or other departmental duties in accordance with applicable agreements.

Start Date

By agreement.

Application

Please submit your application via the application button no later than 2026-03-16.

The application must include:

• A written application and CV
• Master’s thesis
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts
• Two personal references
• Documentation of English language proficiency

Applicants invited for an interview must submit certified documents in accordance with SLU guidelines.

Read more about SLU’s doctoral education: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/

Union Representatives

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/