Phd student in Animal Science with focus on genetics

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics
A position as PhD student is available at the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, at SLU. Our vision is "Better use of genetic resources". The department has about 60 employees and is active within research areas focused on applied animal breeding, molecular genetics, quantitative genetics and bioinformatics. (https://www.slu.se/en/departments/animalgenetics/). The research is based within the Section of Quantitative Genetics in close collaboration with the Department of Animal Nutrition and Management and the Department of Animal Environment and Health. The project includes collaboration with Uppsala University, The University of Granada (Spain) and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh (UK).

New digital and genetic tools to reduce keel bone damage in laying hens

Project description:
There are 6.6 billion laying hens worldwide, producing 72 million tons of eggs annually. Skeletal lesions like osteoporosis and keel bones damage (KBD) cause major welfare problem affecting egg-laying hens in all production systems, also in Sweden. However, the magnitude of KBD damage is yet to be mapped. Internationally, KBD is reported to occur in > 50% of the hens, and since the same hybrids are used in Sweden, the situation may not be different here. Improved bone health contributes to both poultry welfare and sustainability of egg production. In this project, we develop x-ray imaging as a novel tool to monitor, and genetically improve, keel bone damage in layers. After establishing an infrastructure to measure KBD using x-rays in Sweden, we will do a longitudinal study on a cohort of layers to monitor keel bone damage over time and its correlation with other traits. To evaluate the potential of genetic evaluation of KBD we will study 1000 birds post-mortem at end of lay. Using genome-wide markers, we will estimate genetic parameters and look for specific genome regions affecting KBD and other bone quality traits. We will make genomic links between birds from a commercial farm and a breeding company and devise a strategy to genetically reduce keel bone damage.

We are now looking for a PhD student that wants to use his/her analytical skills to contribute to novel solutions to poultry welfare. As a PhD student in this project, you will work with data from ongoing experiments on bone health in laying hens as well as data from the new experiment. Your PhD research will mainly be based on data modelling but collection of experimental data from laying hens on-farm (circa two months) will also be included. It is important that you enjoy working with a computer and are comfortable with statistical analyses.

Qualifications:
You shall have either a strong background in animal science or biology with good knowledge of data analysis and genetics, or a background in data analysis with good knowledge in biology. You shall be willing to participate in animal studies for improved welfare in laying hens. Good skills in English (both written and oral) is required. Particular emphasis will be placed on your personal skills as team player as well as your ability to take initiatives and work independently

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as PhD student 4 years

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-06-23, 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 dissertation 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 passport with your personal data and photography.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-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.