Postdoc in forest modeling – from ecology to improved silviculture

Department of Forest Ecology and Management
The job
Forest management is currently under pressure to adapt to a changing climate at the same time as demands for both wood production and other ecosystem services are increasing. To face these challenges, we need tools to understand and quantify future risks and opportunities –we need predictive models. To be able to address future novel conditions the models must be based on universal ecological mechanisms and calibrated with data from experiments, field measurements, and remote sensing. Modeling will help us not only to make robust predictions but also used to identify the mechanisms responsible for observed forest changes and experimental results.

This modeling work is a central component of the project “Science for enhanced forest productivity” funded by the K. and A. Wallenberg Foundation. A large team of researchers with support from the forest industry are addressing key questions for the future: How should tree species combinations and forest structure be adapted under future climate? How can precision fertilization and new seedling treatments maximize tree survival and growth? What are the consequences of alternative management strategies for carbon sequestration and biodiversity?

The position will be based in SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Science) in Umeå. In addition, you will have the opportunity to spend part of the time at IIASA in Austria, which is a leading institute for global change research and systems modeling.

Duties and Qualifications
You will become part of a cross-disciplinary team with both modelers and experimentalists, which requires good communications skills in English. It is necessary to have experience in model development, or to have a strong interest and mathematical expertise. It is also useful to have knowledge in data analysis and model calibration, as well as in forest ecology and management. Two possible research directions are: (i) process-based eco-physiological modeling at the level of trees or stands, and (ii) upscaling of eco-system processes and management methods in time and space using machine learning. 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 (excluding parental leave). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Place of work:
Umeå

Form of employment:
Temporary employment for 2 years

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-03-01, use the button below.

Applicants should also submit the following three documents: 1) Cover letter demonstrating the applicant’s motivation and interest in the topic, and optionally, preliminary ideas for the research to be carried out (max 2 pages). 2) C.V. including the list of your published work, and names and contact information for two references. 3) Copies of transcripts of academic records, or a link to/copy of doctoral thesis.

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.