PhD student in AI-driven digital phenotyping and genomics

Publiceringsdatum: 2026-04-24

Vill du ta steget att arbeta som doktorand hos Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet? Nu har du möjligheten. Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet söker efter en ny anställd på heltid under 6 månader eller längre som är redo att ta sin karriär till nästa nivå. Uppsala är platsen där detta jobb har sin tjänsteort.

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet söker efter fler duktiga individer som vill arbeta som doktorand. De har just nu ett ledigt jobb som doktorand som kan vara av intresse för dig. Sista ansökningsdagen till jobbet som doktorand hos Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet är måndag den första juni 2026.

Jobbannons

Department of Animal Biosciences

Note: This is a shortened version of the advertisement adapted to the Swedish Public Employment Service's (Platsbanken) system. Please see the full advertisement on SLU's website: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/

Technology

Description of the doctoral project: Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods, and artificial intelligence to study biological systems. This PhD position is part of the DDLS research area Evolution and Biodiversity.

The project "The code that shapes the body: AI and digital phenotyping to decode evolutionary morphology in domesticated animals" aims to understand how genetic variation shapes body form and function by linking DNA, 3D body shape, and motion in horses.

The PhD student will work on:

• Multimodal modelling integrating visual, language, and shape data
• Analysis of structure–function relationships between morphology and movement
• Modelling genome–phenotype relationships using machine learning

The project combines computer vision, machine learning, genomics, and biomechanics using large-scale multimodal datasets (images, 3D data, motion, conformation assessments, and genomics). Research is conducted at SLU in collaboration with KTH and international partners.

About the position

The PhD student will:

• Develop machine learning models for digital phenotyping and genomics
• Work with multimodal datasets
• Implement models in Python (e.g. PyTorch) using high-performance computing (HPC)
• Integrate phenotype, motion, and genomic data
• Participate in the DDLS Research School

Requirements

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. The specific entry requirements for the subject technology are the equivalent of at least 90 higher education credits in courses relevant to technology. This must include at least 30 credits at advanced level and the student must have demonstrated the ability to work independently in a degree project. Applicants with a different, comparable educational background may be eligible; this will be decided by the faculty board on a case-by case basis.

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

Your profile

Required:

• Programming experience (Python preferred)
• Background in data science, computer science or similar
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Meritorious:

• Machine learning or deep learning
• Computer vision or image analysis
• 3D data or geometric modelling
• Genetics or biological data
• Experience with large datasets or HPC

Strong emphasis is placed on analytical ability, curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

About us

The position is based at the Department of Animal Biosciences at SLU in Uppsala, within the Animal Locomotion and Emotion Laboratory. The department is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for education and research in several basic and applied areas.

The research environment combines biomechanics, AI, and genetics with access to advanced infrastructure.

The PhD student will be part of the DDLS Research School and international collaborations with leading researchers in computer vision, 3D modelling, and AI-based biological modelling.

For more information about the department visit: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/Animal-Biosciences/

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

Form of employment

Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme). Doctoral student's salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Location

Uppsala, Sweden

Scope

100%

Start date

October 2026

Application and selection

Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 1 June 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.

Academic union representatives

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/