PhD position in forest management

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/

Fertilizers of ash – a new possibility for increasing growth of fast growing broad leafed trees
Description:
Ash recycling to fast growing broadleaf tree plantations might generate 45 TWh/year by 2045 were 30 TWh is made possible through application of ash. Ash recycling is not only increasing production per area unit but also the possible plantation areas by creating an integrated value chain combining residues form cities and countryside with biomass production systems with e.g, poplars and birch. The project will develop the value chain by problem-solving of key processes i.e., identification of ash properties needed for enhancing biomass production. In addition, laws/rules, techno-economic and environmental aspects is evaluated for realization of the value chain. 

The successful candidate will as part of a PhD position conduct research to on analyzing the important ash parameters for increasing growth of poplars and birch trees. This increased understanding is critical to understand the future biomass supply from plantations to industry and combine residues from cities and countryside with biomass production.

For this research, we will use existing data that will be complemented with high-through-put plant phenotyping and establishment of new field experiments. In the project there is a great possibility to include your own ideas and thoughts to the project. The work will consist of both outdoor fieldwork and laboratory work. The selected candidate will join a creative research environment with international colleges.

Qualifications:
As doctoral appointments are career-developing positions, we are looking for candidates with a master degree. The candidate, we are seeking for is a highly motivated person with a master degree in, genetics, plant biotechnology, biomass production, silviculture, forest science, forest management, biology, biostatistics, forest restoration or equivalent, with ideally a focus on genetics, plant physiology, biomass production systems, growth modeling, climate effect on plant growth and plant physiology. Applicants should also have:


• Excellent verbal and written English
• Knowledge in data analysis and modelling using R, or similar programs
• Ability to contribute to a positive environment in an inclusive and diverse team
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Taking pride in original and high-quality work
• Experience or an interest in novel technologies
• Works well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Have strategic and creative mindset
• Driver’s license and willingness to perform fieldwork
• Willingness to participate in mentoring undergraduate research

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 2023-04-24.

Note! We are evaluation applications continues during the application period.

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) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se