PhD-student in Technology – Development of Automatic Measurement Systems for Food Waste

Department of Energy and Technology

Third-cycle subject area

Technology

Description of the doctoral project

Food waste has received increasing attention in recent years, and reducing food waste throughout the food supply chain is important for achieving sustainable development. In elderly care, food waste is particularly problematic as it both represents unnecessary resource use and may indicate insufficient nutritional intake among older adults. Automatic measurement systems can provide long and continuous datasets that improve understanding of when, where, and why food waste occurs.

About the position

We are seeking a doctoral student to work on the development and refinement of automatic measurement systems for food waste. The systems are based on weighing scales and single-board computers (e.g. Raspberry Pi) equipped with cameras that automatically register food waste. The work includes further developing existing hardware and software, testing and validating the measurement systems in real-world environments, and applying them among consumers in private households, schools, and elderly care facilities. The position also involves analysing collected data, evaluating the reliability and usability of the systems, and developing a categorisation system.

The aim of the project is to develop measurement systems that can be used to evaluate interventions designed to reduce food waste among consumers. The work will be conducted in collaboration with stakeholders and project partners, and travel may therefore be required.

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 eligibility for admission to doctoral  studies in Technology is granted to applicants who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 credits in courses relevant to the field of technology. These studies must include an independent degree project/thesis, and at least 30 credits must be at second-cycle (Master’s) level. In other cases, specific eligibility will be assessed individually with regard to the research project.

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

Your profile

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as engineering, food science, computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Meritorious qualifications

• Experience working with single-board computers and/or embedded systems such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino.
• Experience in programming with Python.
• Knowledge of sensor technology, IoT, and data collection systems.
• Experience with image recognition technologies (e.g. OpenCV, TensorFlow, or similar).
• Experience in prototype development involving both hardware and software.
• Knowledge of food waste and food systems.
• Experience in data analysis and statistical methods.
• Experience in scientific writing and communication.
• Ability to communicate in Swedish.
• Valid category B driving licence.
• Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as collaboration skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for independent work.

About us

The Department of Energy and Technology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), within the Centre for Environment and Development Studies (MVM), offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. The department is among the leading institutions in Sweden in the analysis of systems for food, biomaterial, and bioenergy production using life cycle assessment methodologies. The department and involved researchers have extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision.

Read more information about the department https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/energi-teknik/

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ 

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of employment / Funding
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.

Scope:
100%.

Start date:
Upon agreement.

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 15 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:

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 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.