PhD in regeneration of continues cover forests

Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
SLU is one of the world’s highest ranked universities in several subject areas and is ranked #1 in forestry (CWUR). At our centre we carry out research, teaching and dissemination of scientific findings with direct application to the sustainable management of forests. We have a multidisciplinary profile, with global relevance and specialized expertise on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. We closely collaborate with multiple stakeholders and conduct applied research in silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy and planning. We teach bachelor, Masters and PhD level courses addressing all of these subject areas.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Regeneration and restoration of mixed-broadleaf continues cover forests
Description:
Swedish society is debating the long-term capacity of even-aged conifer-dominated forestry to reliably produce biomass over the coming century, and simultaneously sustain the breadth of ecosystem services that society increasingly demands from forestlands. Alternative approaches to production forests, such as broadleaf-dominated and continuous cover forestry are thus of growing interest. The increased use of such alternatives may enhance the overall resilience of Swedish forests to projected climate change, better balance the provision of forest ecosystem services, provide vital habitat for forest biodiversity, and thereby help ensure forest ecosystem services delivery over the coming century.

Our goal with this project is to identify cost-effective paths forward for the stand establishment and management of new and already selectively cut mature mixed-temperate broadleaved forests. Specifically, we will answer the following questions: How can natural regeneration and planting be used to regenerate such diverse forests? How does ungulate browsing pressure and proximity to mature broadleaf forests interact to determine best restoration practices? To answer these questions, we will use already existing experiments with selective cutting, survey- and remote sensing data, and collaborate with an excellent multidisciplinary team of international researchers. We are looking for a person who, as part of a PhD, will address these questions.

Qualifications:
You should have a Master degree in forest science, biology, ecology or equivalent. You should have a strong interest in forest ecosystems, and an interest in working with modelling and managing large data sets. Practical experience or research work in forestry, wildlife ecology, ecology or remote sensing is a merit. Focus is given to your analytical and problem solving abilities, your ability to work independently and your personal characteristics. You should have good skills in expressing yourself in English both orally and in writing. You should have a driver’s license.

Place of work:      
Alnarp

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years) 

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-08-15.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction 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. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.