Department of Southern Swedish Forest Science

We are looking for a motivated person with a strong interest in tree-soil ecology.

About the job

Intensive forestry dominated by a single species, such as Norway spruce in Sweden, can alter ecosystem function and resilience to extreme climate conditions. Increased drought is expected to affect how trees allocate carbon below ground, impacting both root activity and physiological performance above ground. However, the coordination between root processes and crown responses in different tree species is still poorly understood. This project investigates species-specific links between roots and shoots under drought. The focus is on how root exudation, root metabolism, and soil interactions relate to trees' water balance, growth responses, and recovery after drought. By linking processes in the rhizosphere with the overall performance of the tree in both controlled experiments and mature forest stands, the project aims to understand how mechanisms below ground affect stand function and support climate-adapted forest management.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will combine field measurements in forest stands with controlled experiments and quantitative ecological analysis. The work includes planning and conducting experiments, analyzing ecological data, publishing scientific articles, and contributing to future research proposals. Teaching and supervision may occur depending on interest.

Your background

At the time of employment, the applicant should have:

• PhD in forestry, ecology, environmental science, or equivalent
• Good knowledge of interactions between soil and trees
• Experience in ecological data analysis/modeling in R and/or other software
• Good command of English, both spoken and written
• Driving license category B

The following qualifications are desirable:

• Experience in designing and conducting replicated field experiments in forest ecosystems
• Experience working at the interface between plant and soil processes
• Knowledge of silvicultural practices, stand structure, or the effects of forestry on ecological processes
• Experience analyzing hierarchical data using multivariate methods in R
• Experience in trait-based ecology or comparative species methods
• Ability to communicate research to both academic and applied audiences
• Experience in physiological measurements on trees.

Great emphasis will be placed on your personal qualities such as collaboration skills, initiative-taking, and independent work.

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About us

SLU is one of the world's highest-ranked universities in several subject areas, ranked #1 in forestry (CWUR). We are an interdisciplinary institution, conducting research and teaching in many subjects related to sustainable forestry. Our work has global relevance, and we have particular expertise in forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. Our research areas include silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy, and planning. We collaborate with various types of stakeholders and actively disseminate our research findings to relevant actors. Our undergraduate and graduate courses cover all the aforementioned areas.

More information about the department/division: Department of Southern Swedish Forest Science | slu.se (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

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/)

Location:

Alnarp

Employment form:

Fixed-term employment for 12 months.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

2026-04-15 or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-03-16.

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 activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral candidates, 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 working 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 position.