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 15 November 2025 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
 

Title:
Enteric methane production and feed quality of grasses with differing carbon sequestration potential

Research area and project description:
We are seeking a dedicated PhD student for a 3-year position on the climate and environmental impact of grass as forage for dairy cows with special focus on dairy cow nutrition and enteric methane production from different grassland species. 

The impact of milk production on climate and environment is significant, including emissions from feed production and enteric methane from digestion. Compared to annual crops, grassland can prevent nutrient runoff and enhance carbon sequestration, whereas the type of grassland crop also affects feed value and digestibility and hence milk production and enteric methane emission in the dairy cow. 

The PhD student will study different grass species as feed for dairy cows using intensive animal trials with multi-fistulated animals and production trials as well as in vitro methods. Expected outcomes are:

• In-vivo feed quality and enteric methane production measurements for four grass types in focus
• Milk production potential of the four grasses implemented in a characteristic Danish dairy cow diet for a high-yielding cow
• Quantification of the effect of methane-reducing feed additives with different grass silages

The project is in close collaboration with the Department of Agroecology, and an interest in and/or experience with grassland management is beneficial.

This PhD project is part of the project “ClimateReach”, ClimateReach - AgriFoodTure.

The project offers:

• A unique opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable agriculture and climate-friendly milk production.
• A stimulating academic environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
• Collaboration with a range of external partners.

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 must have a relevant university degree (MSc) in Animal Science, Biology, Veterinary Science or related fields. The candidate is expected to have:

• Interest in ruminant nutrition and digestion
• Experience with data analysis
• 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, AU-Viborg, Research Centre Foulum, Blichers allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:

• Peter Lund, Peter.lund@anivet.au.dk (main supervisor)
• Maike Johannes Brask, Maike.brask@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 3 August 2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Preferred starting date is 15 November 2025.

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.