Doctoral (PhD) position in “Life-cycle sustainability assessment of alternative feeds in Europe[...]

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 Application Deadline 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 101226232 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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 contribute to the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) of integrating alternative feed resources into European livestock systems. The candidate will combine environmental, economic, and social sustainability modelling within a coherent analytical framework, drawing on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and ecosystem-services valuation. A key component of the research will involve the Optimal Land Use Model (OLUM), a linear-programming-based optimisation model used to evaluate land-use, productivity, and sustainability trade-offs at regional and national scales. Together, these approaches will allow the DC to investigate how shifts toward novel feed sources influence system-wide performance, emissions, resource use, and wider socio-economic outcomes. Working closely with experimental researchers across the FEATURE network, the successful candidate will synthesise data from livestock trials to assess the implications of incorporating alternative feeds into ruminant, pig and poultry systems. The project will analyse how these feed transitions propagate through supply chains under different socioeconomic and climate scenarios, identifying both potential trade-offs and opportunities for sustainable transformation. This position offers rich interdisciplinary training in environmental modelling, agricultural systems analysis, and sustainability science, providing an exceptional foundation for a career at the interface of science, policy, and innovation.

It also includes training secondments at the Spanish National Research Council for animal trials and methane measurements 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.

• A strong interest in sustainability modelling and livestock systems
• Experience or interest in LCA, LCC, environmental modelling, or systems analysis
• Competence in data handling and programming/statistical tools (e.g., R, Python)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills, including excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Motivation to participate actively in training, collaboration, and mobility within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie network

Experience with any of the following is advantageous but not required:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software/tools
• Geospatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Experience with optimisation or economic modelling tools (e.g., GAMS)
• Sustainability indicators and socio‑economic assessment

Specific Requirements

The position involves quantitative sustainability modelling using LCA, LCC, and the linear-programming-based OLUM framework, together with the integration of data from livestock trials. The candidate should be comfortable working with quantitative analytical tools, handling diverse datasets, and collaborating across disciplines. The secondment 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.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Economics » Agricultural economics

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be employed full‑time by the host institution under a fixed‑term contract in accordance with national regulations and the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) rules for Doctoral Candidates. The position includes the following financial and professional benefits:

• A competitive monthly salary in line with the MSCA Doctoral Network programme.
• A full employment contract with social security coverage and benefits in accordance with national legislation and institutional policies.
• Enrolment in a doctoral programme and access to the host institution’s graduate training resources.
• Participation in the FEATURE Doctoral Network’s training programme, including interdisciplinary courses, transferable‑skills workshops, and network‑wide summer schools.
• Research secondments at partner organisations (academic or industry) in other European countries.
• A supportive, inclusive, and international research environment, with mentorship and career‑development guidance throughout the project.

Eligibility criteria

This position is funded by the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme and is therefore subject to its eligibility conditions.

• To be eligible, must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a doctoral programme at the University of Reading.
• Researchers of any nationality may apply.
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
• A Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) that formally entitles enrolment in a PhD programme is required by the expected start date.
• The selected candidate will be employed full‑time under an MSCA Doctoral Candidate contract, with conditions and benefits in accordance with national legislation and the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions framework.
• The recruited researcher must be able to undertake the planned research secondments and participate in network‑wide training activities within the FEATURE Doctoral Network.
• English language proficiency must meet the requirements of the University of Reading’s doctoral admission regulations.

Selection process

The selection process will follow the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) principles of the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions. Applications will be assessed by a recruitment panel composed of the main PhD supervisor, co‑supervisors, and academic and research members of the FEATURE Doctoral Network consortium. Evaluation will be based on the academic qualifications, research experience, and skills and competences of each applicant relevant to the post, together with their motivation and fit with the project objectives. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview, which may include a short presentation of their academic background, research experience and interests, and motivation for applying. Interviews will be conducted in English following a structured, fair, and transparent evaluation procedure. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application once the process is completed. The successful candidate will then proceed with formal enrolment in the doctoral programme at the University of Reading. The FEATURE Doctoral Network and its partners are committed to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or ethnic or social background. Selection will be based solely on merit and potential.

Additional comments

The FEATURE Doctoral Network follows the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. We value diversity, equality and inclusion, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background or circumstances. Appointment will be made in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Doctoral Networks regulations and national employment law. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (grant agreement no 101226232).

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute University of Reading Country United Kingdom City Reading Postal Code RG6 6EU Street School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Whiteknights, Earley Gate, PO Box 236