Department of Forest Ecology and Management

Do you want to be part of the future that shapes sustainable use of forests? We are recruiting a three-year postdoc to focus on tree belowground site occupancy in boreal forests. This postdoc is part of the research program Future Silviculture, in the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (link (https://www.slu.se/en/Collaborative-Centres-and-Projects/wiforce/about-us/)) and will bridge the gap between fundamental and applied science in forest management. You will be part of this research program, focused on research linking how trees, soil, and landscapes function to research on sustainable use of forests, with the aim to develop future forest management practices.

Recently, Swedish and other Nordic forests have experienced an unexpected declining trend in tree growth. This can have serious consequences for the forest industry and national carbon budgets. What makes it even more concerning is the fact that we do not yet understand the reasons for the decline and what to do about it. Thus, we urgently need a better understanding of the reasons and mechanisms governing long-term forest growth – the focus of this project.

Fortunately, we have an abundance of forest growth records from the National Forest Inventory (NFI), soil and climate data, as well as comprehensive datasets from many long-term experiments. We also have hypotheses, such as water scarcity, dry air, and nutrient limitation. The challenge is to develop a model to test the hypotheses and quantify the key factors that explain the past trends and enable us to predict future tree growth. In preliminary work, we have developed a process-based model applied to Scots pine stands (ref), which could be further developed for this project. However, other approaches may also be feasible, such as semi-empirical models based on light use efficiency concepts, or empirical regression models. In any case, it will be crucial to account for the multiple and interacting environmental factors influencing growth, and to process a large number of data points.

About the position

This work is a central component of the project “Science for enhanced forest productivity”, which aims to improve our understanding of the eco-physiological underpinnings of tree growth and forest management methods. Ultimately, our results should be used to guide the adaptation of forest management to climate change and societal demands.

The position will be based at SLU in Umeå. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the main supervisor Oskar Franklin at IIASA in Austria. IIASA is a leading institute for global change research and systems modeling and an important collaborator for SLU.

Your profile

You will become part of a cross-disciplinary team with both modelers and experimentalists, which requires good communication skills in English. It is necessary to have experience in model development, including mathematical, statistical, and programming expertise. It is also useful to have knowledge in large-scale data analysis and model calibration, as well as in forest ecology and management.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. Please do not hesitate to contact us before you apply, should you have questions regarding qualifications or potential research ideas.

About us

The Department of Forest Ecology and Management includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future. For more information: link (http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/)

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: link (https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/)

Location:

Umeå

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 3 years

Scope:

100%

Start date:

During spring 2025 or by agreement

Application:

Please submit your application before the deadline 11 February 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The application should be written in English and contain: 1) Cover letter describing the applicant’s skills and qualifications that are relevant for this job. Optionally, you are welcome to present preliminary ideas for the model development and research. 2) C.V. including the list of your published work, and names and contact information for two references. 3) Copies of transcripts of academic records, or a link to/copy of doctoral thesis. 4) Your PhD certificate/diploma.

Union representatives:

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

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals, and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala; however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests, and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterized by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity, and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.