PhD student, Biology

Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies
The PhD student will work at the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environment, SLU in Umeå and be part of a strong research environment that works with restoration ecological issues, both through field inventories and large-scale field trials (see https://www.slu.se/en/departments/wildlife-fish-environmental-studies/). At the department, we offer a creative and stimulating environment and conduct internationally recognized applied research, education and environmental monitoring in issues related to conservation and restoration of biodiversity, fish biology, molecular ecology, wildlife ecology (rodents, predators and ungulates) and zoonoses. The department has a large proportion of international employees as well as well-established national and international collaborations with opportunities for rewarding exchanges.

Forestry with many goals - Can biofuel harvest be combined with biodiversity conservation?
Description:
We are looking for a PhD student for a unique project on combining biomass extraction for, among other things, biofuel use with active conservation measures in thinning forests. In recent decades, research has been conducted on how measures taken in connection with final harvesting affect biodiversity, but in this project you will work on issues related to biodiversity and forestry in thinning forests - something that so far has not been as much researched. Thinning forests cover a very large area of ​​the Swedish forest landscape, which means that this research project will help fill an important knowledge gap in forest research. The aim of the project is to investigate, among other things, the effects of alternative thinning methods on biodiversity (especially lichens and insects).

The assignments include planning and conducting fieldwork/data collection, statistical analyzes, compilation and synthesis of existing knowledge and scientific writing. The doctoral student is expected to work both independently and as part of a larger research group. Within the framework of the project, it is possible to work with field data on species, but also remote analysis data from laser scans of forest areas.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have a master's degree (M.Sc.) in biology, forest science or equivalent. Good knowledge of forest ecology, remote analysis, and extensive experience in fieldwork are merit. Applicants should preferably have good knowledge of statistics (preferably with the software R) and experience with ArcGIS (or any corresponding GIS program). Personal characteristics such as ability to collaborate, work independently, high degree of motivation as well as interest in species and ability to work in both field and laboratory will be considered. The candidate must have a good ability to express him-/herself in both spoken and written English. Applicants should have a driver's license.

Place of work:      
Umeå

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as a doctoral student for 4 years.

Starting date:
Spring 2020 according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-03-26, use the button below.

A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview.

Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photography.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-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 SEK 3 billion. 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.