Postdoc in forest modeling – from ecology to improved silviculture

Department of Forest Ecology and Management
The department includes about 100 people of which 11 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to progress the principles of forest ecosystem management. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

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/

The job
This modeling work is a central component of the project “Science for enhanced forest productivity”, which aims to improve forest management based on a better understanding of the eco-physiological underpinnings of tree growth and forest management methods. Findings from empirical studies are incorporated in our model, which is based on the eco-physiological processes: photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and nutrient uptake. To predict how all the processes in a tree are coordinated, we use the concept of eco-evolutionary optimality. At the larger scale we will also address forest stand dynamics and the effects of tree species selection and diversity. The model will be used to predict how tree growth and ecosystem-processes respond to climate change, rising CO2 and new management practices.  

Ultimately, our results should be used to guide the adaptation of forest management to climate change and societal demands. For example, which tree species and forest age structure support high resilience and productivity in the future climate? How can precision fertilization and new site preparation methods maximize tree survival and growth? What are the consequences of alternative management strategies for carbon sequestration and biodiversity?  

The position will be based at SLU in Umeå. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the main supervisor Oskar Franklin at IIASA in Austria. IIASA is a leading institute for global change research and systems modeling and an important collaborator for SLU. 

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 and approximation of the process-based model (model emulation) based on 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. Please do not hesitate to contact us before you apply, should you have questions regarding qualifications or potential research ideas.

Place of work:
Umeå

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than November 1 2022 , use the button below.

Applicants should submit the following four documents: 1) Cover letter describing the applicant’s skills and qualifications that are relevant for this job. Optionally, you are welcome to present preliminary ideas for the model development and research. 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. 4) Your PhD certificate/diploma. 

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