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 secure the biological diversity of forests, a coherent fundamental scientific 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.

The PhD candidate 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 best be 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 complete advertisement and information on how to apply, see Job Openings (https://www.slu.se/lediga-anstallningar) | External website PhD position in biodiversity in forests – methods for inventory and measurement

Name of research project/thesis work

Methods for measuring and monitoring biodiversity in forests

Field of doctoral education:

Biology

Content description:

Subject description

Biodiversity is a fundamental prerequisite for the ecological function, resilience, and long-term sustainability of forests. At the same time, new methods are rapidly developing – ranging from remote sensing and automated sensors to genetic and classical field-based inventories.

The position is intentionally broad and open. As a PhD candidate, you are expected to formulate and further develop your research plan within the framework of the theme of measuring and inventorying biodiversity. For example:

• indicators for functional or taxonomic diversity
• species-specific or habitat-based monitoring
• combinations of field data, remote sensing, and modeling
• new techniques for detecting and quantifying groups of organisms
• method development related to forestry planning or nature conservation

Your own background, creativity, and research ideas will play a central role in how the project is shaped.

Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• develop a research plan in dialogue with the supervisory team,
• collect, analyze, and synthesize data on biodiversity in forests,
• write scientific articles and thesis work,
• present results at national and international conferences,
• participate in the research environment at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management.

Qualifications:

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated and has a strong interest in biodiversity, ecological measurement methods, and forest systems.

Requirements:

• master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, forestry, or related fields,
• good ability to formulate scientific questions,
• good knowledge of English in both spoken and written form,
• driver's license.

Meritorious:

• experience with field inventories of species or habitats,
• knowledge of data analysis, statistical modeling, or remote sensing,
• experience with GIS, programming (R/Python), or handling large datasets,
• documented interest in method development or biodiversity research.

Great importance will be placed on your ability to drive an independent research project.

Location:

Umeå

Funding form:

Employment as a PhD candidate (4 years of education)

Start date:

By agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application by 2026-02-10.

The application must include:

• A summary of expectations for the position and a description of your own interest in the subject and how it relates to the position (max 1 A4 page),
• a short proposal (max 1 page) on which aspect of measuring/inventorying biodiversity in forests you would like to develop in your PhD plan,
• CV,
• copy of thesis work,
• copies of degree certificates,
• transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels at a university or college,
• contact information for two referees
• certificate of English proficiency

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 work, copies of degree certificates, and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels at a university or college, two personal references, English proficiency. More information about the requirements for English proficiency 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 who are invited for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels at a university or college, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport that contains their 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 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and research students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We work 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 this position.