PhD position. Sustainable sources for protein and fat in human consumption

Department of Energy and Technology

At the Department of Energy and Technology, research and education are conducted focusing on how agriculture can contribute to a sustainable society. We have extensive expertise in technology and systems for sustainable production of food and bioenergy. Within the field of methodology, we have extensive competence in System Analysis including Environmental Systems Analysis and LCA, as well as Biometrics (statistics and mathematics with applications in biological systems).

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Sustainable sources for protein and fat in human consumption

Research subject: Technology

Description:

Take the chance as a PhD student to work with sustainable food systems, one of the most important areas for the future of humanity. A crucial challenge for future food systems is to sustainably source fat and protein, especially in the context of reduced consumption of animal-source foods that currently supply a large share of the macronutrients.

The goal of the PhD work is to contribute to a more sustainable production and consumption of protein- and fat-rich plant-based foods. Studies of individual production chains and their environmental effects will be combined with analyzes at a higher system level where the impact on the entire food system will be analyzed. Of interest are, for example, novel food technologies, but also well-known food processing methods such as for example tofu and tempeh production using raw materials that can be domestically produced. The research will be based on a pronounced system and life cycle perspective. The focus of the work will be on environmental sustainability. The opportunities to contribute to a food supply with less climate impact, as well as to reduce other negative environmental impacts, are central to the work. The work will build on the extensive knowledge and model structure developed within phase 1 of the research program Mistra Food Futures (mistrafoodfutures.se) and include extensive collaboration with various researchers and external organizations in the food chain.

The PhD position is part of the research programme Mistra Food Futures, the largest research programme on sustainable and resilient food systems in Sweden. The programme is an established science-based knowledge platform, which actively works to encourage a transformation of the Swedish food system, taking a global perspective, into one that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable, resilient and that delivers healthy diets. The programme is a collaboration between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University, Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), the Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, together other with other universities and partners from the Swedish food value chain, authorities and regions. As one of more than 10 PhD students in Mistra Food Futures, you will be an active member in the Mistra Food Futures' Academy, an inter- and transdisciplinary academy aimed at training the next generation of food system researchers.

Qualifications:

You must have a basic degree in natural science or engineering. Documented knowledge in environmental science and life cycle assessment (LCA), food science, modelling and simulation, agricultural production chains and industrial ecology are valuable for the work and meritorious for the position. You will be able to complement your previous knowledge within the doctoral program if you lack experience in some of the mentioned areas. Good knowledge of English is required. We attach great importance to personal qualities, soft skills, and intellectual curiosity.

Place of work:      

Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment as PhD candidate 4 years.

Starting date:

According to agreement.

Application:

Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-10-20.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

Academic union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

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 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 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.