PhD position in Peatland Forestry - New Knowledge from AI Maps

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

This PhD position is available at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU. SLU has an international character both in terms of research and teaching. The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

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
PhD position in Peatland Forestry - New Knowledge from AI Maps

Research subject 
Soil science 

Description:
Fifteen percent of Sweden's productive forest is situated on drained peatlands. You will join a research group that develops novel, high-quality, high-resolution digital maps using AI. Our AI models, trained on national monitoring data, use high-resolution digital elevation models from airborne laser scanning to compute topographical indices as environmental covariates for mapping. This project investigates if it’s possible to enhance our understanding of forestry on drained peatlands using these novel high-resolution maps. By correlating field data from national surveys with these digital maps through multivariate statistical methods, we will investigate how groundwater levels (drainage intensity), nutrient levels (C/N ratio, base cations), and historical land use impact peat quality, tree growth, and biodiversity in drained forest peatlands.

The project is led by Anneli Ågren, Department of Forest Ecology and Management, SLU together with experts on wet soil and biodiversity. The doctoral candidate will be part of a broad research group with expertise in subjects from; GIS, AI, soil science, forest ecology, and forest management, which provides good conditions for scientific exchange and discussion.

Qualifications:
The qualifications required for this position are:

MSc. in a relevant subject (soil science, biogeochemistry, ecology, forest science or similar)

Experience doing spatial analyses (GIS) programing in python or R is preferred

Strong work ethic

Fluent in English, and be able to write, communicate and interact in an English-speaking environment  

Preferred

Experience working with large databases.

Experience with programing in python or R

Experience with working independently & organizing own work schedule.

Experience with working successfully within a team.

Place of work:      
Umeå

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as a PhD student , full time for 4 years   

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-01-21.

The following must be attached to the application:

- Letter describing yourself and showing your motivation for applying for this position (max. 2 pages, in English)

- Master thesis

- CV, including date of graduation, list of published works and names and contact details of two references

- Copy of diploma, as well as other relevant certificates

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.