Department of Forest Ecology and Management

WIFORCE Graduate School

Do you want to research the sustainable use and conservation of forests for the future? Apply to the WIFORCE Graduate School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate action are central societal issues today that require more knowledge. To sustainably manage and secure the biological diversity of forests, a coherent fundamental research program that addresses large and complex questions and develops new analytical tools is needed. Therefore, the WIFORCE Graduate School, within the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/wiforce (http://www.slu.se/wiforce)), has been established.

The PhD student will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå. The department consists of approximately 115 people, of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to promote a better understanding of forest ecosystems and how forest ecosystems can be best managed today and in the future.

For more information about the department see: http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/ (http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

For the full advertisement and information on how to apply see Job Openings (https://www.slu.se/lediga-anstallningar/) | External Web Doctoral Position, Ecology and Biological Diversity in Wet Forest Environments

Name of Research Project/Thesis Work:

WET FORESTS: Ecology and Biological Diversity in Wet Forest Environments

Subject Area:

Forest Management

Content Description:

The PhD student will be part of the broader WIFORCE initiative, which aims to improve how biological diversity in forested peatlands and buffer zones (riparian forests) is considered in managed boreal forest landscapes. Currently, the research group is investigating how forestry impacts waterways, wetlands, and their surrounding ecosystems. We work with hydrology, nutrient transport, nature conservation, and management of buffer zones, combining long-term ecological data with applied field studies and experiments. This has included analyses of historical drainage and restoration as well as assessments of ongoing forestry impacts on water quality and habitats. Together with partners, the goal is to develop practical, research-based materials that support more sustainable and ecologically robust forestry and water management.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have:

• Master's degree in ecology, forestry, environmental science, or a related field, or at least 240 higher education credits with at least 60 credits at advanced level;
• Meet the requirements for English language proficiency: for students from Swedish high schools, this corresponds to English B/English 6. Alternatively, applicants should have an internationally recognized English language exam (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge ESOL). More information can be found at www.universityadmissions.se (http://www.universityadmissions.se)
• A valid driver's license;
• The ability to conduct extensive fieldwork in remote areas. The position is based in Umeå, but the PhD student must be able to travel and be away from Umeå for up to a month at a time for fieldwork in central/southern Sweden and potentially other areas (> 8 hours' drive from Umeå).

Other Desirable Qualifications:

• Strong quantitative skills, with experience in statistical modeling or spatial data analysis in R and/or Python.
• Understanding of biodiversity inventories, aquatic ecology, boreal forest ecology, and forestry.
• The ability to work both independently and in collaborative teams.
• Fieldwork experience.
• Interest in research and a positive attitude.

Location:

Umeå

Funding Form:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education)

Start Date:

By agreement, but autumn 2026 is desirable

Application

Welcome with your application by 2026-02-10.

The application must be written in English and include:

• CV
• Cover letter describing yourself, your scientific background, research interests, and your motivation for applying for this position
• A research proposal of two pages that includes background, research questions, methods, and potential results
• Copies of diplomas, or equivalent, and other relevant certificates, e.g., certificates of English proficiency if you have not previously studied in Sweden or in a country where English is the native language (see here for more information on what is accepted)
• Names and contact details of two professional references.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a completed degree at the advanced level or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year at the advanced level, is required.

Selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including CV; thesis, copies of diplomas, and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, two personal references, knowledge of English. More information on English language requirements can be found on the following page:https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/)

Please note that candidates called for an interview must submit certified copies of diplomas, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in the passport that contains the photo and personal information.

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/)

Union Contact Persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.