The Department of Animal Nutrition and Managements (HUV) offers an inspiring research environment where we study metabolic processes and nutrient utilization in animals, management in different animal production systems, including extensive (pastoral) to high-tech precision breeding livestock-farming systems. Within monogastric animal research, our aim is to develop knowledge about the interaction between feed materials and animal metabolism, behaviour, production and animal health. Production of animal foods with good quality and animal care are important parameters for us and for consumers when choosing food.

HUV is responsible for basic education, research and postgraduate education in the fields of nutritional physiology, feed science, management issues and aquaculture. We conduct research and teaching in cooperation with a number of different institutions within SLU and with other Swedish and foreign universities

Interaction between metabolism, microbiota and physiological effects in pigs – phytoestrogens advantage or disadvantages ?

Description:

Are you interested in how bioactive substances are metabolized and how they affect physiological processes and biological functions such as gut health, reproduction, fertility and animal behavior? We offer a PhD position to those who want to contribute with increased knowledge about phytoestrogens, its effect on sows and piglets, and whether it constitutes a limitation or if it has positive properties when mixed in feed for pigs.

Ley crops as part of the feed state to pigs have shown positive effects on animal behaviour, nutrition and the environment. The choice of ley crops and the amount of involvement in the feed can be of great importance for yield, product quality and the well-being of the pigs. Both the content and amount of different bioactive substances vary between different plants and environmental factors. For example, drought and frost, as well as insect and microbial infestation, lead to an increased synthesis of bioactive substances in the plants. Several physiological processes and biological functions such as reproduction, immune defence and behaviour can be influenced by the microflora of the intestine, by changing different feed components to more or less active substances. There is a need to increase the knowledge in this area. For example, we have limited knowledge of at which levels phytoestrogens have positive or negative effects on sows and piglets. This PhD project will focus on studies on how pigs can use different ley crops and how bioactive substances interact with microorganisms and physiological effects on the host animal.

The PhD- project will be performed in collaboration with various research groups at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, and work with animals will be carried out at various animal facilities at SLU. The tasks include trial planning, trial execution. Examination and sampling of animals and organs, handling of test material and a considerable part of laboratory work using analytical and molecular biological methods. Furthermore, work is involved in processing and compiling data. Teaching of students will occur in limited extent.

Qualifications:

A suitable degree is a master’s degree in biology, agronomist in animal science, veterinarian or equivalent education. Experience of scientific studies and laboratory work as well as experience of animal experiments is an advantage. Ability to speak and write well in English is a requirement, as well as good computer skills. Great emphasis is also placed on good cooperation ability, ability to work independently and personal suitability for the tasks. Driving licenses are required to be able to carry out experiments at Lövsta agricultural research station, SLU. The application can be written in Swedish or English and must contain a maximum of one A4 page where you describe why you want to work with research in general and this project in particular. Enter the name and contact details of two reference persons in your application.

Place of work:      

Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment as PhD-student (4 years)

Starting date:

Upon to agreement.

Application:

We welcome your application no later than 2019-04-24, use the button below.

A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dessertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant’s qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview.

Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your apssport with your personal data and phograghy.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/

Academic union representatives:

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

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.