PhD position Wood Science

The Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology (SBT) forms part of the Faculty of Forest Sciences, has about 50 employees and is located in both Umeå and Uppsala. The department carries out high quality research and under- and postgraduate education on a high international level and collaborates with society and industry to develop a bio-based economy where forest biomaterials are an important resource. The major focus in Umeå lies on value chains in the bio-based industry, where different components of forest biomaterials are collected, characterized, separated, modified / processed, used and re-used cost-effectively for different purposes while forest ecosystem services are managed sustainably. In Uppsala, the focus lies on wood science and technology with research and education on wood materials from nano to macro levels, wood adhesives and composites, and with accredited testing of wood products and treatments for the market.

Climate change mitigation potential of wood products
Description:
Wood products have the potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and carbon storage, and thus to contribute to climate change mitigation strategies. However, there is confusion regarding the pathways for which the environmental benefits can be accrued and what methodology is best to quantify the benefits. At the same time, the climate change mitigation potential of emerging forest materials as substitutes of synthetic materials in furniture, building, packaging and other sectors is largely unknown. The state of knowledge on carbon storage and the climate change mitigation potential of wood products is thus incomplete, and this fact hinders an informed policy-making as to sustain and enhance the role of products from Swedish forests in the climate transition.

Work duties:
The PhD thesis aims to elucidate the climate change mitigation potential of wood products, and the specific objectives are to: i) review and analyse previous research and knowledge gaps regarding the environmental benefits of wood products; ii) determine the environmental impact and economic performance of emerging forest materials as substitutes of synthetic materials used today in furniture and building; iii) evaluate scenarios for prolonging the life cycles of wood products; iv) identify improvement potentials of wood products from an environmental perspective; v) engage in communication and dialogue with stakeholders along the forest value chain to help achieve the necessary climate change transition. Collaboration with leading producers of wood products is envisaged. The doctoral student combines both PhD-courses and practical research work. Lecturing and course management duties up to 20% of work time in the subject wood science and technology may be possible, with corresponding prolongation of employment time if needed.

Qualifications:
Students with a master’s degree in circular economy, sustainable development or technology are eligible to apply for this position. Experience of working with life cycle assessment, sustainability assessment, and different types of data analysis are an advantage as well as knowledge of forestry and wood technology. Previous research experience on subjects related to the position is a merit. Fluent English language, both in writing and speaking is required. Much emphasis in the evaluation of applications is placed on analytical and problem-solving capacity, motivation and ability to collaborate as well as work individually. Experiences of academic publication is seen as a merit.

 

Place of work:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 4 years

Extent: 
100%

Starting date:
The position may start as agreed between both parties.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2023-01-02, use the button below.

An assessment and evaluation of applications is based on a written application that should contain a CV, thesis project report, possible additional publications, information about reference persons.

More information about SLU’s doctoral education is available at: https://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) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of 3 billion SEK. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala. www.slu.se SLU is an equal opportunity employer.