Post-doc in silviculture

Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
SLU is one of the world’s highest ranked universities in several subject areas and is ranked #1 in forestry (CWUR). At our centre we carry out research, teaching and dissemination of scientific findings with direct application to the sustainable management of forests. We have a multidisciplinary profile, with global relevance and specialized expertise on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. We closely collaborate with multiple stakeholders and conduct applied research in silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy and planning. We teach bachelor, Masters and PhD level courses addressing all of these subject areas.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

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 objective is to provide key recommendations to guide the design, establishment and silviculture of such forest types. The research should focus on climate change adaptation.

The research can be carried out based on existing field experiments set up and conducted by SLU. These include research plots in mixed stands of oak, hornbeam, field maple, wild service tree and hazel and in a number of other forest types.

The research 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.

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. The work will be carried out in close cooperation with the supervisor, other staff at SLU, local hosts of the experiments, citizen-science volunteers and other stakeholders.

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 relevant tree species 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.

Describe the qualifications needed for the position; desired education, experience and personal traits. Be clear on what is required and what is a merit.

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:
Alnarp

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
1 November 2023 or according to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-06-15, 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) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.