PhD student in agricultural bioeconomy systems

01Department of Biosystems and Technology

PhD project: Sustainable utilisation of agricultural green biomass in integrated protein and biogas systems

02Description of the doctoral project

A circular and fossil-independent bioeconomy requires renewable biomass without increasing competition for agricultural land and food production. Crop residues and intermediate crops are therefore particularly relevant resources. Research at SLU shows that these biomass resources can be substantial, but their potential and sustainable utilisation vary regionally. They can be used for biogas, while effects on soil carbon and nutrient cycling need to be considered.

Green biomass can also be biorefined into plant protein for feed or food, after which the remaining streams are used for biogas. The same feedstock can thereby provide protein, energy and recycled nutrients.

The project aims to assess the potential and consequences of large-scale utilisation of green crop residues and intermediate crops in integrated biogas and green biorefinery systems.

The project will:

• assess sustainably available biomass from green crop residues and intermediate crops in Sweden;
• assess the potential for biogas and combined plant protein and biogas production;
• develop implementation scenarios based on feedstock availability, infrastructure, logistics and markets;
• assess effects on nutrient cycling, soil carbon, biomethane, fertilizer use, and feed and food production; and
• evaluate economic and wider socio-economic benefits, drawbacks and trade-offs.

The project combines GIS and agricultural data with mass and nutrient balances, scenario modelling, and life cycle-based, techno-economic and socio-economic methods. Data will be drawn from research, statistics, literature and national databases.

The doctoral student will join an interdisciplinary research environment at SLU Alnarp focusing on sustainable agricultural production, bioenergy, circular bioeconomy and systems analysis.

03About the position

The work includes collection and processing of agricultural and process data, GIS, modelling of biomass and product flows, scenario development, and environmental and economic assessments.

You will integrate information from crop production and biomass availability to biorefineries, biogas, and food and energy systems.

You will analyse data, develop models and scenarios, and publish and present research results. The work will be conducted with researchers at SLU and external partners.

The doctoral student will be part of the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC), a national transdisciplinary centre where Linköping University, SLU and around 50 private and public organisations collaborate. The centre is supported by the Swedish Energy Agency. The PhD project follows BSRC’s research plans and contributes to long-term competence development in industry and academia.

04Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in technology. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have the equivalent knowledge to a minimum of 90 credits in relevant subject areas. This must include a degree project, and at least 30 credits must be at the advanced level.

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

You should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in, for example, biosystems/agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, agricultural science, energy systems, industrial ecology, environmental science or a related field.

05Your profile

We are looking for a motivated candidate interested in sustainable agricultural and bioeconomy systems and quantitative analysis.

Experience or documented knowledge in one or several of the following areas is desirable:

• systems analysis, modelling or scenario analysis;
• GIS and spatial analysis;
• life cycle assessment, environmental systems analysis or material-flow analysis;
• techno-economic or socio-economic assessment;
• bioenergy, biogas or biorefinery systems;
• agricultural production systems and agricultural biomass;
• statistical analysis and handling of larger datasets;
• experience of programming or quantitative modelling, for example using Python, R or MATLAB.

You should have good analytical skills, be able to integrate information from different fields, work independently and collaborate well.

Excellent written and spoken English is required. Good communication skills are important. Knowledge of Swedish is advantageous but not required.

Personal qualities, motivation and the ability to successfully complete doctoral studies will be given considerable weight.

06About us

The Department of Biosystems and Technology develops knowledge for sustainable and resource-efficient agriculture, horticulture and bioeconomy through research combining biological production systems, technology and systems analysis.

The project lies at the intersection of agriculture, biosystems engineering, sustainability assessment and bioeconomy.

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/

07Form of employment / Funding

Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme)

Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

08Location

Alnarp, Sweden

09Scope

100%

10Start date

Upon agreement. A start date in January or February 2027 is preferred.

11Application and selection

Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is November 27, 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.