Doctoral (PhD) position in “Oil-rich food industry co-products as protein feeds in dairy cow di[...]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.