PhD position in ecology

Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
The centre carries out research, teaching and dissemination of information on forest management in southern Sweden. The research is focused on subjects particularly relevant to southern Sweden, such as the silviculture of deciduous and mixed forests, alternatives to spruce, management of forests with extensive butt-rot, high quality production on fertile sites, damage caused by native and invasive forest pest and pathogens, and competition between ground vegetation and tree seedlings. The research is carried out in close co-operation with the forest industry and other stakeholders in society. Teaching: Courses are held in variety of forest-related topics for Swedish and international students at the bachelor and master level.

We are accepting applications for PhD student in the new Centre of Excellence in Fast Growing Broadleaves (TREES FOR ME) at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre at SLU. The Centre works in close collaboration with the forest sector and related stakeholders. 

TREES FOR ME Competence Centre 

Climate change puts our forests at risk, and current forest biomass production is neither secure, sustainable nor sufficient to meet the future demands of the energy and process industry sector, nor well-placed to meet societal goals for forest biodiversity, recreation, and aesthetics. ‘TREES FOR ME’ is a centre of excellence focused on fast growing broadleaves, i.e. poplar, aspen, hybrid aspen and birch, for sustainable forests, materials and energy. Fifty partner organizations representing academic and research institutes, and the enterprise and public sectors, will collaborate in TREES FOR ME. We work together to find solutions to meet these future demands, and mitigate projected risks to forest health. In total, 13 PhD students will be recruited to the centre and will collaborate with stakeholders representing the whole forest-based value chain, to build research excellence and knowledge for the Swedish energy and forest sectors, and society in general.

The biodiversity implications of short-rotation broadleaf production forests
Description:
In this 4-year PhD project the successful applicant will complete their doctoral degree conducting research into ways to optimize the benefits to forest biodiversity, from the increased use of short-rotation broadleaf (SRB) production forests. Primary research questions will focus on deciphering the biodiversity contribution of SRB stands, and identifying management alternatives that enhance the contribution of SRBs to Sweden’s forest biodiversity. This will be achieved via a combination of field based measurements and experiments in production forests and pre-established experimental sites. Whereas the taxonomic focus may be adjusted to reflect the applicant’s interests (e.g. saproxylic insects, bird communities), we expect understory vascular plants, epiphytic lichens and mosses to be study organisms. The knowledge generated will enable forest owners and society to make more informed decisions regarding the biodiversity implications of SRB production forestry alternatives. Upon completion the doctoral student will have expertise in forest and conservation ecology, experimental design, and sustainable forest management, within the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. The PhD student will be part of our research team that focuses on research and teaching programs addressing biodiversity conservation in forest landscapes, ecosystem services, plant animal interactions, and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Qualifications:
The applicant should by the date of admission have a M. Sc. degree in forest ecology, conservation biology, forest science, or relevant scientific field. Excellent oral and written English skills are expected, and it would be beneficial to have relevant taxonomic experience, an understanding of the R programming language and/or GIS software. A car driving license is a necessity. The application must contain: A cover letter explaining your personal interest in the position (max 1 page), a CV, and contact information for two referees.

Place of work:      
Alnarp

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years) 

Starting date:
November 1st 2022, or according to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2022-05-31.

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, 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/