Maximizing use of fresh grass for dairy cows by combining grazing, zero-grazing, and multispecies swards

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Animal and Veterinary Sciences programme. The position is available from 01 March 2027 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.

Title:
Maximizing use of fresh grass for dairy cows by combining grazing, zero-grazing, and multispecies swards

Research area and project description:
We are seeking a dedicated PhD student for a 3-year position within the topic of dairy production with fresh grass as a main forage source.

The impact of dairy production on environment and climate is of continued importance and interest. Cropping and feeding fresh grass can potentially improve the impact of dairy production on greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen leakage to surrounding fresh waters.

The project investigates the potential of maximizing fresh grass forage intake to reduce enteric methane emission and increase nitrogen utilization, while maintaining milk production. A series of trials with lactating dairy cows are planned investigating combinations of grazing, zero-grazing, and multispecies swards.

This project offers:
A unique opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable agriculture and environmental-friendly milk production
An active and stimulating academic environment with several other PhD students and early career staff
Access to state-of-the-art research facilities for both barn-housing, grazing, and pasture management for dairy cattle
Collaboration with a range of research partners
Collaborative projects that foster innovative thinking and practical implementation

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must hold a relevant university degree (MSc) in Animal Science, Agricultural Science, or related fields.

The candidate is expected to have:
Understanding of ruminant nutrition and digestion
Experience with data handling and analysis using at least one software.
Ability and interest in collaborating across disciplines with project partners.
Ability to communicate effectively in English.
Good scientific and writing skills.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Research center Foulum, Blichers allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.

Contact:
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact: Mogens Larsen, e-mail: Mogens.Larsen@anivet.au.dk (main supervisor)
Nikolaj P. Hansen, e-mail: Nikolaj.Hansen@anivet.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: admission.gradschool.tech@au.dk

How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application.

Application deadline is 06 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Preferred starting date is 01 March 2027.

For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.

Please note: Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be considered.
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.

Formalities and salary range
Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions. You will be employed as an academic staff member at basic salary grades 4–8. As a PhD fellow you will also receive a monthly non-pensionable allowance.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which everyone has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via the online recruitment system, which can be accessed under ‘How to apply’.

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