Phd student position in forest pathology

Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
The centre carries out research, teaching and dissemination of information on forest management in southern Sweden. The research is focused on subjects particularly relevant to southern Sweden, such as the silviculture of deciduous and mixed forests, alternatives to spruce, management of forests with extensive butt-rot, high quality production on fertile sites, damage caused by native and invasive forest pest and pathogens, and competition between ground vegetation and tree seedlings. The research is carried out in close co- operation with the forest industry and other stakeholders in society. Teaching: Courses are held in variety of forest-related topics for Swedish and international students at the bachelor and master level.

We are accepting applications for PhD student in the new Centre of Excellence in Fast Growing Broadleaves (TREES FOR ME) at the Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre at SLU. The centre works in close collaboration with the forestry sector and other stakeholders.

TREES FOR ME Competence Centre

Climate change puts our forests at risk and currently, the forest biomass production is neither secure, sustainable nor sufficient to meet the future demands of both the energy and process industry sector. 

‘TREES FOR ME’ is a centre of excellence on fast growing broadleaves, i.e. poplar, aspen, hybrid aspen and birch, for sustainable forests, materials and energy. Fifty partner organizations representing academic and research institutes, and the enterprise and public sectors will collaborate in TREES FOR ME working together to find solutions to mitigate some of these future risks to forest health. The centre’s goal is to develop science-based, innovative solutions for, and build future competence in, a new forest biomass supply system for conversion to high-value material and energy products. In total, 13 PhD students will be recruited to the centre and will collaborate with stakeholders representing the whole forest-based value chain, to build research excellence and knowledge for Swedish energy and forest sectors and society in general.

Forest pathology of fast growing broadleaves
Description:
The aim of the PhD student position is a doctoral degree. In this 4-year project the student will primarily do research on biotic threats affecting the growth and survival of poplar, aspen hybrid aspen and birch. The PhD studies include studies on both current threats caused by pathogenic fungi and new invasive pests on-the-horizon for Sweden. The PhD student will get a research education in forest pathology with training in microbiology and molecular ecology.

The PhD student will be included in our research team with focus on forest pathology using empirical data from field studies, and modern molecular techniques used in detection and monitoring. The research group in Forest Pathology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp studies the biology, ecology and epidemiology of endemic and exotic invasive forest pathogens. Our work focuses on aspects of disease control and the interactions of trees with fungi and fungal-like (oomycete) organisms, including host symbioses and tree defense mechanisms. 

Qualifications:
The applicant should by the date of admission to PhD studies have a M. Sc. degree in forest pathology or related forest sciences. Other beneficial qualifications are experience in culturing techniques for fungi and plants and DNA analyses, and good communications skills with fluency in written English. Next generation sequencing and bioinformatics are additional merits. Drivers license is a necessity for the work duties. Attached to application should be curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, link to, or copy of master thesis and two listed references with email addresses. Also attached to application should be a written motivation or reflection, of maximum one A4-page written in Swedish or English. The motivation shall discuss the student’s personal interest in the topic of this study and in forest pathology in general.

Place of work:      
Alnarp

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years) 

Starting date:
September 1st 2022 or according to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2022-05-31.

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