Department of Forest Ecology and Management

WIFORCE Graduate School

Do you want to research 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 ensure the biological diversity of forests, a cohesive fundamental research program is needed to address large and complex questions and develop new analytical tools. Therefore, the WIFORCE Graduate School, within the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/wiforce (http://www.slu.se/wiforce)), has been established.

A PhD position is available at SLU's Department of Forest Ecology and Management, a dynamic and internationally engaged environment for research and education. The department has about 115 employees, of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to promote a better understanding of forest ecosystems and how they can be managed sustainably 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 complete advertisement and information on how to apply, see Job Openings (https://www.slu.se/lediga-anstallningar), PhD position, Management of drained peatland forests for increased benefit

Research project/thesis title:

Rewetting and Continuous Cover Forestry: Alternative Strategies for Reduced Climate Impact and Conservation of Biodiversity in Drained Peatland Forests

Graduate education subject:

Soil Science

Content description:

Over the last century, large areas of natural wetlands in the Nordic countries have been drained to increase forest production, which has had negative effects on several important ecosystem services such as climate regulation and biodiversity. Today, there is a lively debate on how we should best manage drained peatland forests in the future. One alternative to reduce carbon emissions from the soil while creating wetland habitats is to block ditches and restore them to a more natural state (rewetting). Another alternative is to manage these areas through continuous cover forestry (CCF), which reduces soil carbon losses, can benefit biodiversity, and simultaneously allows for timber production.

Qualifications:

The candidate must meet the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in environmental science, physical geography, ecology, biology, or another related field
• Strong interest in boreal wetland and/or forest ecosystem services, focusing on the carbon cycle and biodiversity
• Strong communication skills, good work ethic, ability to work in a team, and capacity to thrive in a research environment
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations
• Good knowledge of English to effectively communicate in an English-speaking work environment
• Valid driver's license in Sweden (required to access field sites)

Desirable qualifications:

• Previous knowledge of the carbon cycle and/or biodiversity functions in boreal wetlands and/or forests
• Experience in planning and reporting (in writing and orally) scientific studies
• Experience with relevant methods for collecting field data (e.g., chamber or eddy covariance-based measurements of carbon fluxes, biodiversity sampling methods)
• Programming skills (e.g., Matlab, R) for analyzing large datasets

Location:

Umeå

Employment form:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education)

Start date:

260501, or by agreement

Application

Welcome with your application by 2026-02-10.

The following should be attached to the application:

• CV (max 3 pages) including the following headings: education, work experience, research interests, awards, publications, presentations and conferences, software and computer skills, languages, and contact information for at least two references
• Motivation letter (max 2 pages) explaining your qualifications and interest in conducting this PhD project
• Copies of degree certificates or equivalent, as well as other relevant certificates, e.g., English language certificate if you have not completed your previous studies in Sweden or in an English-speaking country (see here for more information on what is acceptable)

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 degree certificates and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at a university or college, two personal references, English language skills. 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 invited for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at a university or college, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in the passport containing 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/)

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 operations 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 a gender-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 individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.