PhD student in biomass resources from sustainable cropping systems

Department of Biosystems and Technology

PhD project: Using agricultural crop biomass for biogas in synergy with the development of sustainable cropping systems

Third-cycle subject area: Agricultural science (possibly with specialisation in crop production)

Description of the doctoral project:
The supply of raw materials for a growing bioeconomy meets great societal challenges in order to synergize with food production and reducing the dependency on non-renewable, costly and/or environmentally harmful production inputs. This PhD project will investigate some of these challenges in the search for holistic solutions to support sustainable cropping, bioenergy and food systems.

About the position

Targeting the sustainable supply of agricultural crop biomass as substrates for biogas, the project will use a field experiment platform to investigate crop yields and crop nutrient dynamics in different scenarios for biomass removal and nutrient redistribution via digestates.  The research will primarily be based on an ongoing long-term cropping systems experiment with four distinct systems: conventional, organic, agroforestry and perennial cereal.

The biomass resources to be studied include, but are not limited to: cover crops, ley, straw (from cereals, grain legumes and oilseed crops), beet leaves, and possibly wood. Studies on quantities and nutrient contents of different biomasses build on existing data from the experiment, to be complemented with additional sample collection and analyses as well as literature data or data from agricultural statistics databases.

The research tasks include reviewing scientific literature to make an updated overview of the current evidence base and knowledge gaps regarding agricultural crop biomass resources for bioenergy and internal nutrient cycling via biogas digestates. Developing different scenarios for biomass removal and calculating the energy and nutrient balances as well as food provisioning at cropping system levels is another important element in the project. The research is expected to generate new knowledge of both scientific and societal relevance, about ways to design and manage cropping systems that maximise synergies and minimise trade-offs among crop productivity, profitability, energy and nutrient balances, environmental impact and food production.

The holder of this position will be a part of a national transdisciplinary center of excellence called Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). Here, co-production of new and relevant knowledge is generated through collaboration between different scientific disciplines as well as between researchers and practitioners from industry and public organizations. The BSRC includes researchers and support from two universities, Linköping University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, as well as about 50 private and public organizations involving all parts of the biogas system. It also has support from the Swedish Energy Agency.

All doctoral positions advertised within BSRC will be formulated so that they fit into the competence center's research plans and at the same time reflect our parties' interests. This way, we ensure long-term competence supply to both industry and academia.

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 subject of agricultural science, the applicant must have the equivalent knowledge to a minimum of 90 credits in relevant subject areas. This must include a degree project, and at least 30 credits must be at the advanced level.  

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

You should have a Master’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant field such as agricultural engineering (with specialization in crop production), agricultural science, agroecology, agronomy, biology, environmental science, horticultural science or another closely related discipline.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an interest in sustainable agriculture and bioeconomy systems, and in analysing complex interactions between biomass and food production and cropping system sustainability.

Experience or documented knowledge in one or several of the following areas is particularly relevant:

• agricultural cropping systems, crop management and diversification;
• systems analysis and/or multi-criteria sustainability assessments;
• modelling or scenario analysis;
• bioenergy systems based on agricultural crop biomass resources;
• nutrient cycling e.g. via redistribution of biomass resources and biogas digestates;
• crop and soil nutrient dynamics and nutrient balances at field and cropping system levels;
• statistical analysis and handling of datasets with multiple experimental factors and response variables

The project strives to provide knowledge for several societal sectors (bioenergy, food production, environmental impact), it is therefore important to have an ability to understand and integrate information from different scientific fields. The successful candidate should have good analytical skills, be able to work independently and systematically, and at the same time enjoy collaboration in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Excellent written and spoken English is required. Good communication skills and an interest in communicating research both scientifically and to stakeholders are important. Knowledge of Swedish is advantageous but not a requirement.

Personal qualities, motivation for doctoral studies and the ability to successfully complete the research project will be given considerable weight in the selection process. 

About us

The Department of Biosystems and Technology develops knowledge and solutions for sustainable and resource-efficient agriculture, horticulture and bioeconomy systems. Our research combines biological production systems with engineering, technology and systems analysis and covers areas such as sustainable agricultural production, circular resource use, bioenergy and biogas, green biorefineries, environmental systems analysis, digitalisation and the development of future production systems.

The doctoral student will be based at SLU's Alnarp campus in southern Sweden and will work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment with close links to both fundamental and applied research. Collaboration with other departments at SLU, other universities, industry, authorities and agricultural stakeholders is an important part of our activities.

The PhD position will be placed in the subject area Horticultural and Agroecological Systems, associated with research on design, diversity, management and sustainability of agricultural cropping systems. The position provides opportunities to work at the intersection of agriculture, environmental science, food systems, sustainable development and the emerging bioeconomy.

Information about the department: Department of Biosystems and Technology | slu.se

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:
Alnarp, Sweden

Scope:
100%

Start date:

Upon agreement. Preferably in January/February 2027.

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is November 27, 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.