Post-doc

Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
We are seeking a highly motivated person to conduct research on the silviculture of temperate mixed broadleaved forests. The successful candidate will examine existing field experiments installed with a range of species proportions. The objective is to provide key recommendations to guide the design, establishment and silviculture of such forest types.

The centre carries out cutting edge research, teaching and dissemination of information on the sustainable management of forests. Our research is often multidisciplinary, spanning silviculture, forest modelling, forest restoration, forest health, forest conservation, and forest policy, all within the overriding context of climate change. We offer a range of undergraduate, graduate and PhD courses within these subjects. Our activities are carried out in close co-operation with forest stakeholders.

Duties:
SLU is seeking a highly motivated person for a two-year post-doc position to conduct research on the silviculture of temperate mixed broadleaved forests. The research shall be based mainly on georeferenced field experiments set up in mixed stands of oak, hornbeam, field maple, wild service tree and hazel. The objective is to provide key recommendations to guide the design, establishment and silviculture of such forest types.

The experiments were planted 2012-2014 and include a range of mixing patterns and species proportions. The research should also include a small wild service experiment planted across widely contrasting climate and soil gradients. The experiments were set up and are carried out in cooperation with partners in forestry practice. Some data were already collected by local citizen-science volunteers. Additional data should be collected during the post-doc period.

The analyses should quantify aspects of survival, early growth, stem quality and competition depending on species mixture, site characteristics, establishment practice and other relevant variables. Additional investigations may include the influence of climate, soil and establishment practice on tree phenology, root system development and biomass allocation. Hypotheses testing should be an integral part of the research.

The post-doc project is supervised by a group of three senior scientists skilled in silviculture, forest ecology and forest modelling. The post-doc will work in close cooperation with the supervisors, other staff at SLU, local hosts of the experiments, citizen-science volunteers and other stakeholders.

The post-doc is expected to plan, lead and participate in field work as well as office-based activities. This will involve extensive travels in Sweden and abroad. Moreover, the successful candidate is expected to initiate, prepare and publish manuscripts detailing research findings.

The post-doc position is a research-focused training role to provide an early-career scientists with the opportunity to develop research, publishing, cooperation, management and leadership skills. There will be opportunities to also participate in teaching, supervision of theses, information activities, and application work for research funding.

Qualifications:
The applicant should hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in silviculture, forest ecology, forest modelling, statistics or a closely related field. The ideal candidate should be familiar with the ecology and silviculture of temperate mixed forests in Europe, data analyses, statistical modelling, and research carried out based on long-term forest experiments. Specific knowledge of the tree species involved in this project is considered an advantage.

The applicant should have excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and in teams, experience with communication and cooperation within and beyond the profession, a proven record of analytical skills and scientific publishing, proficiency in both written and spoken English, good organisational skills and a demonstrated capacity to deliver on objectives by a given deadline. The applicant should hold a valid driving license (B) throughout the duration of the post-doc project.

Experience in teaching and forest field work is considered an asset. Working knowledge of Swedish is considered an advantage. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

Place of work:
Alanrp

Form of employment:
Fixed term employment of 24 months, with possible extension.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
1 May 2022 or according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-03-27, use the button below.

Your application should include: a one-page motivation, including a description of your personal interests; a curriculum vitae (CV); a publication list; a copy of one selected publication; a copy of your PhD thesis; a copy of your PhD certificate; a list of three academic or other professional reference persons.

The application should be written in English. The selection among applicants will be based on their written application and an interview.

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