PhD position in forest ecology with focus on C dynamics

Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (https://www.slu.se/wiforce), was created.

A PhD position in forest ecology within WIFORCE Research School is now available at Southern Swedish Forest Reaserch Center, SLU Alnarp.

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 department here Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre | Externwebben

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/

Name of research project/thesis:
Pyrogenic carbon as a missing sink in the global carbon cycle: calibrating the sediment records to historical fire regimes 
Research subject:
Biology
Description:
The project will contribute assessments of the pools of PyC in the boreal systems and calibrating its transportation pathways. We will achieve this by relying on data on historic and modern fires, reconstructed with high temporal and spatial resolutions across Nordic boreal forests. Our overarching hypothesis is that pyrogenic C (PyC) presents a tangible sink of fire affected C. Such sink can potentially contribute towards a negative feedback mechanism linking an increase in climatologically-forced fire activity with larger C deposition in difficult-to-mobilize forms. In testing this hypothesis, we plan to improve methodology for reconstruction of fire activity from lacustrine sediments and test the hypothesis that landscape-specific calibration of lacustrine fire proxies improves the quality of sediment-based fire reconstructions.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with interest in C dynamics, boreal forest ecology and paleo-dendrochronological methods; and with a Master’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Forestry, or a related field. A valid driver’s license and excellent command of English are all essential requirements. 

The candidate should be able to demonstrate a record of academic achievements and, preferably, have their Master project published in (alternatively, submitted to) a peer-reviewed journal. The candidate should have strong R programming skills, good knowledge of C biogeochemistry and general forest ecology. Successful candidate should be comfortable with operating in multi-tasking mode and managing complex logistics. Knowledge of Swedish and/or French is an advantage. We pay particular attention to personal qualities of the applicants, specifically – their ability to meet deadlines, strong work ethic, and ability to work independently.

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 2025-01-21.

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: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

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.