Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology and Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology/UPSC

This project invites you to combine genetics and real-world forestry data to better understand how trees grow and adapt. It is perfect for you who want to combine practical field sampling, laboratory-based DNA work, and big data analyses.

The full advertisement can be found at: Job vacancies | slu.se (https://www.slu.se/lediga-jobb)

WIFORCE Graduate School

Do you want to research for the sustainable use and conservation of forests for the future? Apply for this position to become part of the WIFORCE Graduate School!

Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate action are currently central societal issues that require more knowledge. To sustainably manage and secure the biological diversity of forests, a coherent 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 (https://www.slu.se/wiforce)), has been established.

About us

The project is a collaboration between research groups led by Professor Ola Lindroos (Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology) and Dr. Kelly Swarts (Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology/UPSC).

The Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology has approximately 90 employees in Umeå and Uppsala and will formally be established on January 1, 2026, through a merger of two existing units. The department conducts high-quality research, offers education at undergraduate and graduate levels at a high international standard, and collaborates with society and industry to develop a biobased economy where forest biomaterials play a key role.

The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC, https://www.upsc.se (https://www.upsc.se)), a world-leading center for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in northern Sweden. Its mission is to conduct outstanding and innovative fundamental research that benefits forestry, agriculture, the environment, and society, with the goal of understanding plants' ability to grow, adapt, and acclimatize, and how this knowledge can be used to breed better plant varieties, cultivation practices, and industrial processes.

More information about the departments can be found at:

• Forest Bioeconomy and Technology (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/skogens-biomaterial-teknologi/)
• Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/skoglig-genetik-vaxtfysiologi/)

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/)

Name of the research project: Turning Commercial Forests into Progeny Trials: Linking Genetics and Harvesting Data

Research subject: Forest Management or Technology

Description of content:

This doctoral project is at the intersection of forest genetics, tree breeding, and technologically advanced forestry, aiming to integrate genetic data with detailed information about harvesting and the environment. The project focuses on transforming commercial forests in Sweden into large-scale progeny trials by linking DNA from individual trees to operational and phenotypic data collected during conventional harvesting.

The research will include practical DNA sampling, high-throughput genotyping, and data fusion using machine-generated harvesting data, annotated images, and environmental information. The student will also evaluate methods to reconstruct kinship relationships and quantify the real benefits of improved breeding material in mixed forests. The project will be conducted in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, leveraging expertise in forestry, genomics, bioinformatics, AI, and data management, and will provide practical experience in field sampling, laboratory work, and computer analysis. The outcome will enhance the understanding of tree genetics in operational forestry and demonstrate new ways to optimize tree breeding and forest management.

Qualifications:

The applicant preferably holds a master's degree in bioinformatics, but a master's degree in genetics, biology, forestry, computer science, or another related field may also be acceptable, provided the applicant has a strong interest and can demonstrate the ability to broaden into new areas of expertise. Candidates must:

1. have a strong interest in integrating genetics, data management, and governance and management of biological processes,
2. have documented experience in data management and/or genetic laboratory work,
3. be able to perform fieldwork independently, and
4. be fluent in English to write, communicate, and interact in an English-speaking research environment.

Meritorious:

• Experience in fieldwork.
• Valid Swedish driver's license or equivalent.
• Experience in academic scientific publishing.

In the assessment of applications, great importance will be attached to analytical and problem-solving ability, your ability to take initiative, and your ability to collaborate and work independently.

Location:

Umeå

Funding form:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education)

Start date:

As soon as possible, by agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button by 2026-02-10 at the latest.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a 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 undergraduate and advanced levels at a university or college, two personal references, knowledge of English. More information about the requirements for English language skills 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 applicants who are called for an interview must submit certified copies of diplomas, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at a university or college, and that applicants with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport that contains a 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:

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