PhD fellowship/scholarship - A Novel Framework for Risk-Aware Selection in Cattle for Long-Term Sustainability
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PhD fellowship/scholarship - A Novel Framework for Risk-Aware Selection in Cattle for Long-Term Sustainability
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Quantitative Genetics and Genomics programme. The position is available from 01 August 2026 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title:
A Novel Framework for Risk-Aware Selection in Cattle for Long-Term Sustainability
Research area and project description:
The project will develop a new, groundbreaking method that enables the cattle sector to select breeding bulls that support future economic and sustainable development in both dairy and beef production. In cattle breeding, several years pass between the selection of breeding animals and the point at which genetic improvements become visible in the offspring at dairy and beef farms. This presents a challenge, as future production conditions are typically uncertain. As a result, the risk increases of selecting breeding animals that may not meet future demands.
The project will develop methods that reduce these uncertainties and account for changing production conditions. A team of geneticists, breeding specialists, economists and data analysts will therefore develop an advanced risk management tool that optimises genetic progress with a focus on both economic returns and sustainability and will implement the tool in the processes used for selecting breeding animals.
The project expects to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aims for the tool to be adopted by 90% of the dairy cattle population in Denmark. Furthermore, the project anticipates contributing to a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus emissions as a result of improved feed efficiency.
The project’s commercial partner expects an economic gain associated with an increased market share in the export of bull semen.
Project description: For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a master’s degree in Animal Science, Quantitative Genetics, Economics, or within a relevant area.
Further requirements:
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Bldg. 1130, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:
How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 15 April 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Preferred starting date is 01 August 2026.
Please note:
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
Title:
A Novel Framework for Risk-Aware Selection in Cattle for Long-Term Sustainability
Research area and project description:
The project will develop a new, groundbreaking method that enables the cattle sector to select breeding bulls that support future economic and sustainable development in both dairy and beef production. In cattle breeding, several years pass between the selection of breeding animals and the point at which genetic improvements become visible in the offspring at dairy and beef farms. This presents a challenge, as future production conditions are typically uncertain. As a result, the risk increases of selecting breeding animals that may not meet future demands.
The project will develop methods that reduce these uncertainties and account for changing production conditions. A team of geneticists, breeding specialists, economists and data analysts will therefore develop an advanced risk management tool that optimises genetic progress with a focus on both economic returns and sustainability and will implement the tool in the processes used for selecting breeding animals.
The project expects to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aims for the tool to be adopted by 90% of the dairy cattle population in Denmark. Furthermore, the project anticipates contributing to a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus emissions as a result of improved feed efficiency.
The project’s commercial partner expects an economic gain associated with an increased market share in the export of bull semen.
Project description: For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a master’s degree in Animal Science, Quantitative Genetics, Economics, or within a relevant area.
Further requirements:
- Strong programming skills are desired, e.g. R or Phyton
- Excellent English verbal and written skills.
- Be able to work well and communicate expert knowledge in an interdisciplinary team and international collaborators.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is C.F. Møllers Allé 3, Bldg. 1130, 8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
- Hanne Marie Nielsen, hannem.nielsen@qgg.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Alban Etienne René Bouquet, alban.bouquet@qgg.au.dk (co-supervisor)
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide. If answers cannot be found there, please contact:
How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 15 April 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Preferred starting date is 01 August 2026.
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.