From Food Waste to Livestock Feed: PhD Research on Sustainable Rurban Food Systems
Atree · Bangalore
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Description: The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, India, invites applications for a PhD position in Animal Sciences within the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR5903 – Sustainable Rurbanity: Resources, Society and Regulatory Systems. FOR5903 examines how rapid urbanisation is reshaping conventional rural–urban boundaries and explores the sustainability potential of emerging rurban systems across India, Ghana and Morocco. This PhD position is part of Sub-project B02 – RurbanFoodWaste: Understanding the Sustainability Potential of Food Waste as Livestock Feed in Indian Rurban Contexts. The candidate will be base in ATREE and work closely with researchers at ICAR–National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (ICAR-NIANP), Bengaluru; the University of Kassel, Germany; and other FOR5903 partner institutions. The position is for 48 months, until 30 September 2029, and involves full-time research alongside a PhD in Animal Sciences, with a focus on ruminant nutrition, livestock feeding systems, circular bioeconomy and life-cycle assessment. THE RESEARCH The project investigates how Food Waste and Food Loss (FWFL) can be sustainably revalorised as livestock feed in the rapidly changing rurban landscape of Bengaluru. Rurban areas offer opportunities to connect urban food systems with livestock production through circular resource use. Previous research has shown that smallholder dairy farmers already use FWFL as cattle feed, with potential benefits for reducing feed costs and food waste while strengthening environmental sustainability and circular food systems. The project will examine where FWFL originates, how it moves through rurban food systems, its nutritional and feed value, its environmental footprint, and its contribution to sustainable dairy livelihoods. AGE LIMIT Maximum 35 years for men and 40 years for women as of the interview date, with applicable relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates as per Government of India norms. FELLOWSHIP AND SUPPORT According to project regulations, the successful candidate will receive a monthly fellowship/stipend of ₹50,000 per month. Adjustments are negotiable depending on the candidate’s work experience and personal conditions. A flexible project contingency allowance will cover eligible project-related expenses, including travel within the Bengaluru rurban study region and overnight stays near study sites, against submission of bills/receipts. Responsibilities: The successful candidate will primarily contribute to Work Packages WP1 and WP3 and will: Conduct field surveys to understand FWFL flows from businesses and neighbourhood communities to dairy households in the Bengaluru rurban region. Study dairy production systems, livestock feeding practices and FWFL utilisation. Collect and sample FWFL materials used as livestock feed. Analyse the nutritional composition and feed quality of FWFL using established laboratory methods. Manage, analyse and interpret multidisciplinary datasets. Conduct life-cycle assessments (LCA) of FWFL-based feeding practices. Apply statistical analyses using R, Python or other statistical software. Collaborate with researchers in Animal Sciences, Economic Geography and Social Sciences. Participate in project meetings, workshops, seminars and international conferences. Qualifications: Essential Master’s degree (M.Sc., M.V.Sc. or equivalent) in Animal Sciences, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Sciences, Dairy Science, Livestock Production or a closely related discipline. A 4- or 5-year Bachelor’s degree + 2-year Master’s degree, or a 3-year Bachelor’s degree + 2-year Master’s degree, with a valid NET qualification (ICAR / ASRB / CSIR / UGC NET or GATE). Strong academic background in ruminant nutrition, livestock feeding or feed evaluation. Experience in field surveys and livestock-related research. Proficiency in R or Python or equivalent statistical software. Good understanding of research methodology and experimental design. Excellent written and spoken English. Willingness to undertake extensive fieldwork in Bengaluru and surrounding rurban regions. Desirable Experience in laboratory analysis of feeds and agricultural by-products. Knowledge of proximate analysis, feed evaluation and nutritional assessment. Familiarity with sustainability science, circular bioeconomy or livestock–environment interactions. Experience with LCA or survey-based research. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary international research team. Peer-reviewed publications will be an advantage. How to Apply: Please submit: Curriculum Vitae, including publications, if applicable. Master’s degree certificate and academic transcripts. A 1.5-page motivation letter addressing: The potential of Food Waste and Food Loss as livestock feed in rurban dairy systems in India; and In three sentences, why you are scientifically well suited for this research project. Applications should be sent to: sunil.gm@atree.org CC: schlecht@uni-kassel.de; anjumoni_0071@yahoo.co.in Subject: FOR5903 B02 – RurbanFoodWaste / ANIMAL SCIENCES