Postdoc position in Forest Biodiversity Conservation

We are seeking a postdoc for a collaborative project between SLU and Stora Enso’s Forest Division. The project is part of a larger research initiative between SLU and Stora Enso where several researchers, postdocs and PhDs are currently involved, which opens opportunities for collaboration within SLU but also outside academia.

This postdoc will focus on developing indices that can describe patterns and changes of biodiversity to be used for biodiversity conservation in practical forestry. The indices will be based on species and structure data from a large-scale field survey conducted in both Sweden and Finland. The data includes species data on bryophytes, lichens, polypores and beetles from 240 field plots, making this a uniquely large forest biodiversity dataset. The collaboration with Stora Enso generates a high societal relevance to the project.

The successful candidate will be affiliated to the Department of Ecology at SLU, but the postdoc project as such is ran in tight collaboration with researchers at the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies and the Species Information Centre at SLU, as well as the Natural Resources Institute (LUKE) in Finland.

The Department of Ecology educates, conduct research and collaborates for a wise use of nature's resources in the future. We offer a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. Building on our world-leading research on species ecology and ecosystems, we clarify how we can use land, water, and forests without loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The department has a large proportion of international employees and well established national and international cooperation which gives opportunities for fruitful exchange.

Duties:
The postdoc will analyze data from the aforementioned field survey to develop indices with the aim to gain better understanding of factors controlling species diversity in relation to forest management. The postdoc is expected to contribute actively to the development and planning of the studies, independently coordinate the practical work and analyze the collected data and write scientific publications together with the research group. Moreover, the postdoc will write popular science reports, which will be used within Stora Enso’s organization and contribute to the collaboration activities between Stora Enso and SLU.

Qualifications:
The applicant should hold a PhD in ecology (or in a similar relevant subject). Since a postdoctoral appointment is a career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates obtained a doctoral degree within the last three years. Experience from relevant research questions (terrestrial ecology, nature conservation in forests, forestry, landscape ecology, conservation strategies, especially in Northern Europe) is a merit. Experience from statistical analyses of large data sets is considered a merit along with a strong publication record (in relation to the time since the doctoral degree). The applicant is expected to be able to take own initiatives and work independently and in a group. Excellent skills in written and oral communication in English are required.

Place of work:
Uppsala.

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months.

Extent:
100%.

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-08-31, using the button below.

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