Doctoral; PhD position in “Oil- food industry co-products as protein feeds in dairy cow di

School of Agriculture, Policy & Development

Organisation/Company University of Reading Department School of Agriculture, Policy & Development Research Field Agricultural sciences » Zootechnics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 1 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jul 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) FEATURE (Future feeds for sustainability in European livestock production) invites applications for one fully funded 36-month full-time PhD position at the University of Reading, United Kingdom
.

This doctoral project will investigate the potential of alternative protein feeds derived from food industry by-products to improve the sustainability and circularity of European dairy systems. The candidate will assess the nutritive value, nutrient digestibility, and methane mitigation potential of selected feed ingredients, evaluate their effects on dairy cow performance and resource efficiency, and apply multi-omics and bioinformatics approaches to explore links between rumen microbiome activity, host metabolism, and environmental outcomes.

The project will also consider the broader environmental and socioeconomic implications of replacing conventional protein sources in livestock diets.

The project includes training secondments at Teagasc (Ireland) for metagenomics and metabolomics and at an industry partner for data collection.

The FEATURE network brings together six academic institutes, five research organisations and seven industry partners across seven European countries. Its 13 doctoral candidates will receive interdisciplinary training in sustainable and circular livestock production, combining animal nutrition, environmental science, data analysis, and socioeconomics. Each candidate will follow a personalised development plan, participate in training schools and workshops, and complete research secondments with industry partners.

The network provides an excellent foundation for future research leaders committed to advancing sustainability, resilience, and innovation in European food systems.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent), typically preceded by a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in animal science, agricultural science, biology, veterinary science, biochemistry, or a related discipline.

They should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in sustainable livestock production and animal nutrition
• A basic understanding or interest in ruminant biology and feed evaluation
• Competence in data handling and statistical analysis (e.g. R, SAS, or similar tools)
• Good analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills
• Motivation to participate actively in training, collaboration, and mobility within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie network

Experience with animal nutrition trials, feed or nutrient analysis, or
-omics data interpretation would be an advantage but is not required, as full training will be provided.

Specific Requirements

The project involves hands‑on experimental work with animals, feeds and animal‑derived biofluids in research facilities and commercial operations, in accordance with ethical and animal welfare regulations. It also includes collaboration with industry and academic partners. Occasional travel to experimental farms or partner facilities may be required for project activities, and the doctoral candidate must be able to travel independently to these sites.

These activities constitute an integral part of the project and are required for its successful completion. The candidate also should be willing to travel for short research secondments and training events organised within the FEATURE Doctoral Network.

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