Vacant job

Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research

Doctoral Subject:

Forestry

Description of the PhD Project:

Society is increasingly discussing the long-term capacity of even-aged, conifer-dominated forests to sustainably produce biomass in the future while maintaining the broad range of ecosystem services that society demands from forests. Consequently, alternative strategies for production forests, such as the restoration of deciduous forests, are attracting growing interest. Increased use of such alternatives can strengthen the overall resilience of Swedish forests against expected climate change, create a better balance in the provision of forest ecosystem services, provide vital habitats for forest biodiversity, and thereby help ensure the provision of forest ecosystem services in the future.

The EU's Nature Restoration Law and Sweden's national environmental objectives recognize the urgent need to restore and improve the ecological state of forest ecosystems across Europe. Our goal with this project is to identify cost-effective pathways for the regeneration and restoration of new mixed forests with deciduous trees as the dominant species.

Responsibilities:

Comparing passive and active methods for restoring diverse forests. To address these questions, we will use existing experiments, chronosequences, and inventory data to evaluate the effects of restoration on ecosystem services, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of international researchers. We are looking for a person who, within the framework of a doctoral education, will take on these challenges, but we also welcome applicants who have their own ideas that could shape the final direction of the doctoral studies.

Qualifications:

Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 hp, of which at least 60 hp at an advanced level, or who in other ways within or outside the country have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Additionally, you are required to have knowledge in English corresponding to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your Background:

The applicant must, at the time of admission to doctoral studies, hold a master's degree in forestry, biology, ecology, or equivalent. You should have a strong interest in forest ecosystems and be interested in working with large datasets. A driver's license is a requirement for the duties.

Research experience in forestry, ecology, and related subjects is meritorious. Experience in field-based forest research, interdisciplinary studies, and ecosystem service assessments is also meritorious. The focus is on your analytical and problem-solving skills as well as your ability to work independently. Documented ability to express yourself in English, both orally and in writing, is also meritorious.

About Us:

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

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/).

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ (http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/).

Form of Employment and Salary:

Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education).

The salary for the doctoral employment follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Extent:

100%

Location:

Alnarp

Start Date:

1 December 2026 or as agreed.

Application and Selection:

Submit your application via the button below by 2026-09-14 at the latest.

Read more about the attachments your application must contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/).

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and must take into account the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union Representatives

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 life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. The main campuses are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, demonstration parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.