PhD-position in silviculture to evaluate forest regeneration chains

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/

FRAS II - Future forest management in Southern Sweden

The forest is an important resource. A great deal of expectation is placed in the forest as one of the solutions to reduce the negative effects of a changing climate. But what role the forest should have in a green transition is not conflict-free. The forest is expected to produce fossil-free raw material, store carbon and at the same time preserve important natural and cultural values. This entails major challenges for forest management. Do you want to contribute to the development of forest management in southern Sweden to meet the needs of the future?

If yes, a PhD or postdoc position in FRAS II can be something for you. FRAS II is a research program jointly run by Linnaeus University (LNU), Skogforsk and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in close cooperation with the forest sector in southern Sweden. FRAS II consists of three PhD projects and three postdoc projects that focus on different aspects of forest management.

Evaluation of Forest Regeneration Chains 
Description:
The conditions for the future forest stands are established during the regeneration phase. In practical forestry, one experiences that today it is both more difficult and more expensive to establish conifer stands. Over 15 years, the cost has almost doubled, and damage caused by insects and other pests appears to be increasing. This in turn leads to poorer status of young forests.

The regeneration chain consists of several elements that have so far been studied in relative isolation from each other. A better knowledge of the long-term impact of silvicultural measures and how they interact with each other is an important step in being able to improve and make the regeneration more efficient. The execution of the site preparation can, for example, have different effects on the growth of the seedlings, but also on the need of cleaning and thinning in the future. An overall assessment of the entire chain can lead to different conclusions than when each link is considered separately.

The purpose of the project is thus to increase the understanding of which parts of the chain are critical for the success of the forest establishment and how different parts of the chain can be adapted to shape the forest in accordance with the goals of forestry.

Qualifications:
The applicant should by the date of admission to PhD studies have a MSc degree in silviculture or related forest sciences, biology or a related discipline with focus on forest management. Other beneficial qualifications are experience of statistics, working with larger data sets and appropriate software, and good communications skills in both oral and written English. Driving license is a necessity for the work duties. Experience of forest regeneration and communication skills in Swedish is desirable but not mandatory.

The application must contain: a letter with expectations on the position and what you personally find interesting within the silviculture research subject (max 1 page). 

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 2023-03-31.

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/



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