PhD student, Economics with special emphasis on forest policy

The department of forest economics is focused on research and education within business administration and natural resource economics and policy, with a particular focus on forest-related natural resources. Departmental activities have strong connections to sustainable development. The department contributes to education at the Faculty of Forest Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, and is responsible for bachelor- and master programs as well as offering PhD education within business administration and resource economics. Geographically, the department is located at two campuses: Ultuna (Uppsala) and Umeå. The department also has very strong research connections locally and internationally: It is a key part of an inter-University (together with Umeå University) research center, CERE (www.cere.se); it is involved in SSFE (Scandinavian Society Forest Economics) (www.ssfe-network.org); and is responsible for the editorial office of the Journal of Forest Economics (www.nowpublishers.com/JFE); and the head office of the research- and knowledge network “Forest Bioeconomy Network” – closely connected to the EFI (European Forest Institute) (www.forbioeconomy.com), is located at the department.

We are looking for a PhD candidate to join the Department of Forest Economics at SLU in Umeå. The student will engage in the study of sustainable management of forest resources, applying economic principles combined with policy analysis. In this context, forest resource management can range from forest owner decisions, societal benefits of forests, to industry-level behaviors responding to public policies, to the value of forest ecosystem services. The candidate will be part of a research project, focusing on forest policy and stakeholder analysis related to forest ecosystem services and climate change mitigation. Candidates are encouraged to review research conducted by the Principal supervisor of the candidate, Dr. Camilla Widmark, Associate Professor (see here and Google Scholar).

Description:
The PhD candidate will be involved in interdisciplinary work, develop research topic that expands the state-of-knowledge integrating economics, policy and forest resource management; developing relevant research questions, developing a theoretical framework and an appropriate research design; writing scientific manuscripts and compile a PhD thesis for examination. Course work is also included in the PhD program. PhD candidates are evaluated continously.

Qualifications:
To be eligible to apply the PhD program, you have to have a master’s degree in economics or related topics, with at least 30 ECTS of economics subjects included at the master’s level. Knowledge of natural resource economics, forest policy, demonstrated capacity to integrate forestry and economics concepts are considered an extra merit. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English is required.

Of extra merit is experience writing scientific manuscripts and advanced knowledge of qualitative methods and tools.

Place of work:
Umeå, Sweden (more information about Umeå you find here: Visit Umeå)

Forms for funding or employment:
2 year employment. The PhD program consists of 4-year full-time studies, with 2+2 contract, where the first stage is a licentiate degree (2 years). Upon successful licentiate degree and upon funding, the contract may be expanded 2 years for a PhD degree.

Starting date:
Negotiable, upon agreement.

Application:
We welcome applications until June 23, 2021 using the button below.

Individuals have basic eligibility for third cycle education if they have taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), including at least 60 higher education credits (ECTS) at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Final selection is made with reference to a written application including a CV, a one-page proposed research outline, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, a copy of the MS thesis, and the names of at least two referees familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language, and an interview. Applicants offered the position shall provide certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college), along with proof of English proficiency. If the applicant is a foreign citizen, SLU requires a certified copy of the passport page disclosing personal data and photograph.

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) 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.