Aarhus University PhD Fellowship in Quantitative Genetics, Denmark | Fully Funded | Apply Now

Can breeding make dairy cows use nitrogen more efficiently? The fully funded Aarhus University PhD Fellowship in Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Denmark, tackles exactly that question. Master’s graduates in Animal Breeding can apply, including those finishing their MSc in summer 2027.

  • Position: Fully Funded PhD Fellowship – Quantitative Genetics and Genomics Programme (GSTS)
  • Location: Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
  • Research Area: Dairy Cattle Genetics, Nitrogen Efficiency and Feed Efficiency

About The University

Aarhus University is one of Denmark’s leading research universities. The fellowship sits in the Graduate School of Technical Sciences (GSTS). Its Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) holds a leading position in cattle breeding research. In particular, QGG studies data from advanced phenotyping tools such as the CFIT 3D camera system, developed with VikingGenetics.

Aarhus University PhD Fellowship Job Description

The project is titled “Better Nitrogen efficiency by improving Cow Resilience, Eating Dynamics, Breeding and Lifetime Efficiency”. It will use the large phenotypic dataset from CFIT, together with feeding parameters and other phenotypes from the Danish Cattle Database. The goal is to develop genetic tools and novel genomic breeding values for nitrogen efficiency, resilience, eating dynamics and feed efficiency. As a result, the work will support breeding decisions by dairy farmers and the green transition in agriculture.

Aarhus University PhD Fellowship – Key Responsibilities

  • Analyse CFIT phenotypic data together with feeding records from the Danish Cattle Database.
  • Apply advanced statistical methods, artificial intelligence and genetic models.
  • Develop genomic breeding values for nitrogen efficiency, resilience and feed efficiency.
  • Support management and breeding decisions that make dairy cows more sustainable and economically viable.

Educational Requirements and Eligibility For Aarhus University PhD Fellowship

  • Qualification: A relevant master’s degree (120 ECTS) in Animal Breeding.
  • Experience: Freshers are eligible, including candidates completing their MSc in summer 2027.
  • Start date: 1 March 2027 or later (preferred start 1 March 2027).

Skills and Qualifications

  • Experience with data handling software such as R, SAS, Python or Unix Shell.
  • Experience with genetic software such as DMU, BLUPF90 or AIREML.
  • A background in working with livestock data is an advantage.
  • Fluent spoken and written English is a prerequisite.

Salary and Benefits

The PhD fellow is employed as an academic staff member at basic salary grades 4–8, plus a monthly non-pensionable PhD allowance. Pay follows the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

How to Apply

Apply online through the Aarhus University GSTS application portal. Applicants must copy the project description from the call and upload it as a PDF, together with the mandatory attachments listed in the GSTS application guide. Only documents received before the deadline are evaluated. Also, the committee will use shortlisting and may invite applicants to an interview. The main supervisor is Associate Professor Bingjie Li, and the co-supervisor is Tenure Track Assistant Professor Rasmus Bak Stephansen. Interested in a fully funded PhD Position in animal genetics? This Aarhus University PhD Fellowship combines big data, AI and dairy cattle breeding. However, the deadline is 29 November 2026, 23:59 CET, so prepare your documents early.

APPLY ONLINE HERE