Department of Southern Swedish Forest Science
Research Training Subject:
Forestry
Description of the PhD Project:
Swedish society is discussing the long-term ability of even-aged, conifer-dominated forests to sustainably produce biomass in the future while maintaining the widening range of ecosystem services that society increasingly demands from forests. Alternative strategies for production forests, such as restoration of deciduous forests, are therefore attracting growing interest. Increased use of such alternatives can strengthen the overall resilience of Swedish forests against expected climate change, create a better balance in the provision of forest ecosystem services, provide vital habitats for forest biodiversity, and thus contribute to ensuring the provision of forest ecosystem services in the future.
The EU Regulation on Nature Restoration and Sweden's national environmental targets represent an acknowledgment of the urgent need to restore and improve the ecological condition of forest ecosystems throughout Europe. Our goal with this project is to identify cost-effective ways forward for the rejuvenation and restoration of new mixed forests with deciduous trees as the dominant tree species.
Work Tasks:
Compare passive and active methods for restoring diversified forests. To address these questions, we will use existing experiments, chrono-sequences, and inventory data to evaluate the effects of restoration on ecosystem services and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of international researchers. We are looking for a person who, within the framework of doctoral studies, will tackle these challenges. However, we also welcome applicants who have their own ideas that can shape the final direction of the doctoral studies.
Eligibility:
Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or who in another way within or outside the country have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39).
In addition, you are required to have English language proficiency equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.
Your Background:
The applicant must, at the time of admission to doctoral studies, have a master's degree in forest science, biology, ecology, or equivalent. You should have a strong interest in forest ecosystems and be interested in working with large datasets. A driver's license is a requirement for the work tasks.
Meritorious are research experience in forestry, ecology, and similar subjects. Experience in field-based forest research, interdisciplinary studies, and ecosystem service assessments is also meritorious. The focus is on your analytical and problem-solving abilities and your ability to work independently. Also meritorious is documented ability to express yourself in English, both orally and in writing.
About Us:
SLU is one of the world's highest-ranked universities in several subject areas, and is ranked #1 in forest science (CWUR). We are an interdisciplinary institution where we conduct research and teach in many subjects related to sustainable forestry. Our work has global relevance and we have particular expertise in forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. Our research areas include forest management, forest ecology, pathology, policy, and planning. We collaborate with various types of stakeholders and actively disseminate our research findings to relevant actors. Our courses at undergraduate and advanced levels cover all the areas mentioned above.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/
Read more about SLU's research education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.
Form of Support and Salary:
Employment as a PhD student (4 years of studies)
The salary for the PhD student position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.
Extent:
100%
Location:
Alnarp
Start Date:
1 December 2026 or by agreement.
Application and Selection:
Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by 2026-09-14.
Read more about the attachments your application should contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/
Selection among eligible applicants will be made based on the attachments included in the application and should be made with regard to the ability to complete the studies within the set time.
Trade Union Contact Persons
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in promoting sustainable development, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental forests, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and research students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion Swedish kronor. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences provides the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.Department of Southern Swedish Forest Science
Research Training Subject:
Forestry
Description of the PhD Project:
Swedish society is discussing the long-term ability of even-aged, conifer-dominated forests to sustainably produce biomass in the future while maintaining the widening range of ecosystem services that society increasingly demands from forests. Alternative strategies for production forests, such as restoration of deciduous forests, are therefore attracting growing interest. Increased use of such alternatives can strengthen the overall resilience of Swedish forests against expected…